However, recent work has revealed peer socialization effects in other domains of adjustment. For instance, recent work has indicated that internalizing behaviors, such as nonsuicidal self-injury (Heilbron & Prinstein, 2008; Nock & Prinstein, 2005; Prinstein, Guerry, Browne, Rancourt, & Nock, 2009) and depressive symptoms (Prinstein, 2007; Stevens & Prinstein, 2005; Van Zalk, Kerr, Branje, Stattin, & Meeus, 2010), also are susceptible to influence processes. Research also has suggested that eating problems and body image concerns in adolescent girls may be transmitted by peers (e.g., Hutchinson & Rapee, 2007), although this behavioral domain is in need of additional longitudinal work. Further, peer influence effects appear to be relevant to adolescents’ values and beliefs, such as academic motivation and achievement (Ryan, 2001; Wentzel, Barry, & Caldwell, 2004) and prejudiced attitudes (Poteat, 2007; Poteat, Espelage, & Green, 2007). With growing clarity, it appears that the reach of peer influence processes is broad, and the implications of the behavior formation and change motivated by peers during the formative adolescent years are potentially quite far-reaching.
