Although we found strong support for the model in Figure 1, it is always possible that an alternative model might account for the data equally well. We tested one such model by reversing the roles of impulsivity and problem behaviors. That is, we placed externalizing problems as the more proximal correlate of ECFs and demographics with impulsivity acting as a potential mediator of the relation between problems and risk behavior. This model also fit the data: χ2 (130) = 197.3, p < .001; CFI = .92, RMSEA = .035 (90% CI = .024, .045). However, although externalizing behavior was strongly related to impulsivity (.733, p < .001), it was not directly related to risk behavior (.223, p = .16). On the other hand, impulsivity was strongly related to risk behavior (.641, p < .001). Hence, this model produced essentially the same result as the favored model: impulsivity is strongly related to externalizing behavior as well as risk behavior but externalizing behavior is only weakly related to risk behavior apart from impulsivity.
