romantic relationships (see Rose, Carlson, & Waller, 2007). Yet another possibility is that some behaviors are influenced by anticonformity processes. Although rarely studied, anticonformity is a powerful phenomenon that is directly the result of peer influence processes; however, adolescents may be less likely to realize that they are being influenced by peers because they are engaging in behavior that is the opposite of what the peer majority prefers. By engaging in behaviors that are opposed to the majority’s values, adolescents believe they are signaling their individuality and freedom from concerns about their popularity.
