Mediation Analysis in a Latent Growth Curve Modeling Framework

This article presents several longitudinal mediation models in the framework of latent growth curve modeling and provides a detailed account of how such models can be constructed. Logical and statistical challenges that might arise when such analyses are conducted are also discussed. Specifically, w...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Structural equation modeling 2011-01, Vol.18 (2), p.289-314
Main Authors: von Soest, Tilmann, Hagtvet, Knut A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
change
Dietetics
Foreign Countries
Gender Differences
growth curves
Growth models
indirect effect
longitudinal
Mediation
Norway
Predictor Variables
Self Concept
Statistical Analysis
Structural Equation Models
Variables
Young Adults
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This article presents several longitudinal mediation models in the framework of latent growth curve modeling and provides a detailed account of how such models can be constructed. Logical and statistical challenges that might arise when such analyses are conducted are also discussed. Specifically, we discuss how the initial status (intercept) and change (slope) of the putative mediator variable can be appropriately included in the causal chain between the independent and dependent variables in longitudinal mediation models. We further address whether the slope of the dependent variable should be controlled for the dependent variable's intercept to improve the conceptual relevance of the mediation models. The models proposed are illustrated by analyzing a longitudinal data set. We conclude that for certain research questions in developmental science, a multiple mediation model where the dependent variable's slope is controlled for its intercept can be considered an adequate analytical model. However, such models also show several limitations.
ISSN:1070-5511
1532-8007
DOI:10.1080/10705511.2011.557344