The kinetic signature of the beta-relaxation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is investigated by friction force microscopy. The variation in friction force was measured as a function of scan velocity, temperature (300 K-410 K), and applied load using both sharp and blunt probe tips. The friction data show distinct maxima, which can be ascribed to the beta-relaxation of PMMA. The contact area was varied over the ranges of approximately 20 to 70 nm(2) and 12 000 to 43 000 nm(2) through the use of probe tips with radii of approximately 15, 18, 1350, and 2650 nm. Kinetic analysis shows that the apparent activation energy of the beta-relaxation decreases with the tip radius. Accompanying finite element simulations indicate that for the sharp tips a substantial subvolume of the polymer underneath the tip exceeds the yield stress of PMMA. This suggests that for small contact sizes and high stresses the activation barrier of the beta-process decreases through the activation of the alpha-process by material yielding.