We created a higher-order neuroticism factor indicated by the variables for self- and peer-reported neuroticism. To identify this model, we constrained the variance of the higher-order factor to 1.0. We also constrained the unstandardized paths from the higher-order factor to lower-order factors to 1.0. Because the substance use factor had two indicators, the variance of it was set to 1.0 and the loadings for the two indicators were constrained to be equal to identify the model. The higher-order neuroticism, internalizing psychopathology, and substance use factors were allowed to correlate. This model provided an excellent fit to the data (CFI=.95, RMSEA=.04, WRMR=.97). The correlation between neuroticism and the internalizing psychopathology factor approached 1.0 (Figure 1). This finding provides strong evidence of convergent validity for these two constructs. There was also a large, significant correlation between internalizing psychopathology and substance use (r=.45).
