These univariate findings were consistent with and further elaborated in the comprehensive multivariate models. These analyses accounted for redundant variation and identified the stronger predictors of each stage. For initiation of drinking (see Table 3, Stage I), both risk and protective factors played important roles (though usually with opposite directions of effect). All significant risk factors accelerated onset; these included parental divorce or separation, psychiatric disorders (ADHD, CD, MDD, PTSD), and trauma. These findings are consistent with the general alcoholism literature (Zucker et al., 1995), and are specifically documented in the alcohol use onset literature (Maggs & Schulenberg, 2006; McGue, Iacono, Legrand, & Elkins, 2001; McGue, Iacono, Legrand, Malone et al., 2001), and the alcoholism etiology literature (Sher, Slutske, Stricker, Widiger, & Weiner, 2003; Zucker & Gomberg, 1986). Concerning R/S, the strongest effect was for religious attendance, which robustly delayed the age of first drink. Since this protective effect was considerably stronger than any risk factor’s effect, it underscored the strength of R/S influences in early stages of alcoholism development. Other protective R/S influences were motivation-devotion and current Differentiating religious
