As a means of cross-method validation, we also sought to employ a complementary analytic framework that does not rely on latent variables. A conceptually simple index of internalizing “density” or “load” is the count of the total number of internalizing disorders that are present, without reference to which specific internalizing disorders are present. Logistic regression analyses can then be used to determine the relative contribution of the internalizing psychopathology density/load (the count) versus the presence or absence of particular internalizing disorders in predicting alcohol dependence. We conducted both analytic approaches in parallel using 12-month and lifetime diagnoses to help distinguish between the more state-like implications of the former versus the more trait-like implications of the latter.
