Results were consistent with a mediating role of resiliency in the association between SLC6A2 rs36021 and externalizing behavior; those with the AA genotype had lower rates of resiliency. In turn, resiliency negatively predicted externalizing behavior. The indirect effect of SLC6A2 rs36021 on externalizing behavior through resiliency was significant (0.22, 95% BBCI = 0.01 – 0.61) with 34.7% of the total effect of SLC6A2 rs36021 on externalizing behavior operating through resiliency. In turn, externalizing behavior predicted maximum number of drinks. The indirect effect of behavioral control (−0.16, 95% BCCI = −0.35 – −0.01) and resiliency (−0.15, 95% BBCI = −0.39 – −0.01) on maximum number of drinks through externalizing behavior was significant with 19.1% of the total effect of behavioral control and 78.1% of the total effect of resiliency on maximum number of drinks operating through externalizing behavior. Thus, there was evidence for two distinct multiple mediation paths.
