In the mediation model, which included the entire ALC sample, robust estimation with maximum likelihood estimation of missing data was utilized. Thus we present the robust fit statistics and significance of the parameters evaluated with robust standard errors. The mediation model produced an excellent fit to the data (Figure 2). There were significant paths from YRD to LECN connectivity strength (B = −0.43, p<0.001) indicating that more years of regular drinking were associated with weaker connectivity. There was also a significant path from LECN connectivity strength to alcohol problems (B = −0.24, p<0.001), indicating higher connectivity strength was associated with less problematic drinking. The indirect effect of years drinking on alcohol problems was significant (z = −2.86, p<0.01), indicating a significant mediated effect. However, mediation was not complete, as there was a remaining significant direct effect of years drinking on problematic drinking (B=0.31, p<0.001).
