Friendship reciprocity, as a possible reflection of the cohesion and affinity between an adolescent target and influencer, also has been considered as a potential moderator of peer influence. Contradictory theories abound, however. On the one hand, if an adolescent desires a relationship (or more equal relationship) with a nonreciprocated peer, she or he might be more inclined to conform to this peer’s behavior (see Heilbron & Prinstein, 2008). On the other hand, reciprocal friendships typically involve stronger relationship qualities that are thought to enhance socialization effects, as discussed above. Research examining friendship reciprocity as a moderator of peer influence has yielded support for both hypotheses (cf. Bot, Engels, Knibbe, & Meeus, 2005; Hall & Valente, 2007; Mercken, Candel, Willems, & de Vries, 2007; Stevens & Prinstein, 2005).
