In both cases of alcohol and marijuana use, over time, perceived norms (distal) were less influential among older teenagers. However, young adolescents in middle school are more susceptible because they experience a developmental stage of identity; predisposed to peer pressure as they try to fit into a particular subgroup. As an elective teacher, I have personally witnessed this evolution of behavior patterns; observing from afar over a three year period as they transform from gullible six graders to defiant 8th graders. Factors such as maturity level, acceptance, and self-identity are key in their conversion from elementary to middle school, so I concur with author’s study on this point. Furthermore, as they begin to develop their