Indirect effects of AO operating through delay were also observed for intercepts (p < 0.001) and slopes (p < 0.001), although these effects were in the opposite direction of the main effects. An earlier AO was associated with a longer delay, which, in turn, was associated with lower levels of heavy drinking by senior year of college but sharper increases in heavy drinking over time. Given the opposite direction of the direct and indirect effects, total effects (net effects) most accurately represent the influence of AO on heavy drinking intercepts. Net effects were statistically significant (p-values < 0.001) but considerably smaller (β = −0.25 for intercept; β = 0.13 for slope) than direct effects (β = −0.39 for intercept; β = 0.23 for slope).
