This study examined the relationship of psychosocial factors with alcohol use for adolescents residing in rural Iowa. This association was also tested separately for boys and girls. Seventh graders (N = 1673) self-reported alcohol use, peer drinking norms, adult drinking norms, drug refusal assertiveness, drug refusal techniques, life skills, pro-drinking attitudes, risk-taking tendency, and perceived family management practices. Data were collected during a 45-minute class period. Multiple regressions indicated that: Peer drinking norms, drug refusal assertiveness, drug refusal techniques, life skills, pro-drinking attitudes and risk-taking tendency were related to drinking measures. Perceived family management skills and drug refusal techniques were associated with drinking for girls but not boys. Risk-taking tendency was related to drinking for boys but not girls.