Results were consistent with a mediating role of resiliency in the relation between SLC6A2 rs36021 and externalizing behavior; those with the AA genotype had lower levels 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 greater cigarette use. The indirect effect of behavioral control (−0.05, 95% BCCI = −0.11 – −0.02) and resiliency (−0.05, 95% BBCI = −0.12 – −0.01) on cigarette use through externalizing behavior was significant with 26.6% of the total effect of behavioral control and 39.8% of the total effect of resiliency on cigarette use operating through externalizing. Thus, there was evidence for two distinct multiple mediation paths.
