Adolescents' susceptibility to peer influence was examined as a
marker of difficulties in the general process of autonomy development that
was likely to be related to deficits across multiple domains of
psychosocial functioning. A laboratory-based assessment of susceptibility
to peer influence in interactions with a close friend was developed and
examined in relation to corollary reports obtained from adolescents, their
mothers, and close peers at ages 13 and 14. As hypothesized, observed
susceptibility to peer influence with a close friend predicted future
responses to negative peer pressure, but it was also related to broader
markers of problems in functioning, including decreases in popularity, and
increasing levels of depressive symptoms, over time. Susceptibility to
peer influence was also linked to higher concurrent levels of substance
use, externalizing behavior, and sexual activity. Results are interpreted
as reflecting the central role of establishing autonomy with peers in
psychosocial development.This study was
supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health
(R01-MH44934 and R01-MH58066).