These data present the first evaluation of a full LR-based cross-sectional model in a large sample of adolescents, as well as the first evaluation of a complete set of elements of the full model in a non-U.S.-based population. The results underscore several issues relevant to the cross-sectional LR-based model. First, the major conclusions regarding the importance of both the direct and partially mediated relationships between a low LR and adverse outcomes have now been documented in both U.S. and U.K. samples. Second, variations across prior studies regarding which potential mediators of the LR to alcohol outcome relationship operate may reflect, at least in part, statistical power, as in the current large sample partial mediation was observed with more intense peer substance use, more positive alcohol expectancies, and with using alcohol to cope with stress. Third, model invariance across genders was supported in the current model, indicating that similar findings in prior analyses of smaller samples were not likely to have reflected limited statistical power.
