The peak period of initiation of cigarette (grades 6–7) and alcohol use (grades 7–11) begins during the middle school years (Johnston, O'Malley, Bachman, & Schulenberg, 2005). Accordingly, the early stages of acquisition and escalation of substance use occur during early adolescence. During this developmental period (10–14 years), the amount of time spent with peers increases and peer relationships typically become the primary social context that influences social development (Rubin, Bukowski, & Parker, 2006). Peer relationships during this period provide companionship and they act as primary venues for gaining status, as well as providing opportunities for self-disclosure while seeking independence from parents (Collins & Steinberg, 2006). Given these developmental changes, it is not surprising that one of the strongest correlates of adolescent substance use is peer influence (Bauman & Ennett, 1996; Kobus, 2003). Understanding factors that contribute to the susceptibility of peer influence may be particularly important for designing preventive interventions. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between peer approval/use of cigarettes/alcohol and intentions to use, and the degree to which social goals, which are thought to be important motivators of social behavior (e.g., Wentzel, 1994), increase vulnerability to peer influence in an early adolescent sample.
