Final answer:
Pre-teens engaging in modeling behavior based on adolescents' values and actions are participating in psychosocial development, developing their own moral and ethical values, and seeking identity and peer acceptance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When pre-teens look to adolescents as a model of values and behavior, they are engaging in a process of psychosocial development. During adolescence, individuals typically develop a stronger sense of personal identity and begin to form their own system of moral and ethical values. As part of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, this stage involves the challenge of identity versus role confusion, where the question of 'Who am I?' becomes central. Teenagers often look to their peer group for guidance and may adopt behaviors and values to conform and gain acceptance, which can include engaging in romantic relationships and increasing emotional separation from parents.
The influence of peers is significant in the lives of adolescents, as they may seek to align themselves with social norms and values exhibited by their peer group. This serves as a means to solidify their emerging identities. Additionally, values play a crucial role in shaping societal expectations, and teens may strive to meet an ideal culture while navigating the realities of their environment, which can include a wide spectrum of behaviors and life choices.