One of the most notable contributions of peer influence research in the past decade has begun to elucidate how or why adolescents may conform to their peers. Given that it likely is difficult to prevent adolescents from affiliating with peers that may exert negative influences, the study of mechanisms is critical for prevention efforts. By understanding why adolescents conform to peers, it may be possible to develop preventive measures that alternatively address the psychological motivations that currently lead to conformity. The mechanisms reviewed below may also be conceptualized and analyzed as mediators, and this term has been included in the review when used by investigators.
