The current paper employs a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to examine the influence of a positive FH of alcohol abuse on an a priori specified model of SWM in early adolescents, aged 12-14 years, and compares these patterns of functional connectivity to those of older adolescents (OA), aged 16-20, to help determine potential markers of neurodevelomental lag. We chose SEM to perform this path analysis instead of multivariate regression because it requires the a priori designation of hypothesis driven models (38) and provides multiple indices of overall model fit allowing for objective selection of optimal models. Specifically, this study tests the hypotheses that: 1) activation networks of FHN early adolescents will more closely resemble those of OA than will the FHP youth; and 2) statistical comparison of SWM functional connectivity models will differentiate FHN and FHP youth. These results will aid in determining neural risk factors for the future development of problem drinking and help inform the development of innovative treatments to prevent the development of AUD in at risk youths.
