The maximum likelihood estimation for analysis of the variance/covariance matrix from the computer programs for Amos and Mplus were used to create measurement models and SEMs [48, 49]. LR was a manifest variable based on the weight-adjusted SRE, and alcohol outcome (ALCOUT) at Time 2 was a latent variable, or factor score, reflecting the usual maximum drinking quantity, as well as the quantities during the heaviest drinking week in the prior six months, along with as the number of 18 potential alcohol problems during the followup. PEER was a latent variable using the average drinking status among peers (using a five-point scale from abstainer to heavier drinker), along with drinking frequencies and maximum quantities. Alcohol expectancies (EXPECT) used z-scores reflecting the age-appropriate AEQ values for Global Positive Expectancies, Social Behavior Expectations, Sex Enhancement, and Expected Relaxation Feelings. Finally, drinking to cope (COPE) was a latent variable made up of three indicators created after placing the six Drinking to Cope Scale items into three groups or parcels.
