Figure 2 demonstrates the results of the SEM, only reporting significant relationships (p<.05). While not shown here, the Mplus analyses were similar to those from the AMOS approach shown in the figure. The fit indices for Figure 2 were good, including: Π2 (12) = 35.18, p< .001; Π2 /df = 2.93; CFI = .98; NNFI = .97; RMSEA = .053 (90% confidence interval = .033 – .074); and SRMR = .029. The key elements of the hypothesized model were supported in the SEM in which a higher number of drinks to get effects (a low LR per drink) related significantly and positively to heavier drinking in both peers (PEER) and for the subject herself or himself (ALCOUT). In the model, mediation occurred in the path from LR to PEER to ALCOUT (b = .46, se = 0.48, z = 9.54, p<.001), and the path for AGE to PEER to ALCOUT (b = .48, se = .132, z = 3.67, p<.001). SEX only related to AGE and ALCOUT, while an older AGE related to heavier drinking peers.
