Cross-lagged Models Research Articles

Self-Esteem and Sexual Experiences.

There is evidence that people with higher self-esteem tend to have more satisfying sexual relationships, but little is known about how changes in people's self-esteem and sexual experiences are related over time. Several theories predict reciprocal effects between self-esteem and sexual experiences. The present study tested these theories using 12-wave longitudinal data from more than 11,000 participants of a representative sample in Germany. Data were analyzed using Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Models. Results indicated significant between-person associations between stable levels of self-esteem and both the frequency and the quality of sexual experiences. Moreover, we found reciprocal within-person transactions between self-esteem and sexual satisfaction but not sexual frequency. Overall, the present pattern of results provides evidence for theories that consider self-esteem as both a source and consequence of intimate sexual relationships.

Post-traumatic growth promotes resilience development: A Longitudinal Mediation Model

BackgroundThe frequent occurrence of global disasters poses unprecedented challenges to nursing practice. The frontline nurses in disaster relief are exposed to these events and bear significant levels of stress and psychological distress. Resilience and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are essential protective factors that contribute to sustaining their mental health. The purpose of this study was to determine the directional relationship between resilience and PTG using a cross-lagged design. Furthermore, employing longitudinal mediation to test whether the T1 resilience of frontline nurses would promote the development of T3 resilience through the mediating role of T2 PTG. MethodsA total of 258 frontline nurses were selected as subjects. They completed self-reported measurements in three periods. The present study was conducted using a cross-lagged panel model and a longitudinal mediation model. ResultsThe results of cross-lagged path analysis from T2 to T3 showed that PTG could positively predict the development of resilience (β = 0.235, p < 0.001). Resilience did not positively predict the development of PTG (p > 0.05). The analysis of mediating effect results showed that the development of PTG at T2 mediated the relationship between resilience from T1 to T3. LimitationsFindings may be limited by self-report, recall bias of resilience before the epidemic and short tracking frequency. ConclusionsThese results can identify individuals with an increased risk of low resilience under disaster and the mediating role of posttraumatic growth in promoting the development of nurses' resilience, which provides a theoretical basis for psychological crisis intervention and the resilience promotion plan for posttraumatic growth under disaster events.

The development of depression and social anxiety symptoms in adolescents and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and desire for peer contact.

Adolescence is a dynamic developmental phase in which contact with peers is crucial for socio-emotional development and wellbeing. Depression and social anxiety show patterns of high onset during this period, and more for girls than boys. Here we examine this development among Dutch adolescents, as well as how desire for more peer contact as a result of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this increase. We used a longitudinal three-wave design to examine 406 typically developing Dutch adolescents across two consecutive cohorts; Cohort 1: 2016-2019 (N = 138, 53.6% girls, age at T0 M = 13.00, SD = 0.42), Cohort 2: 2017-2020 (N = 268, 63.1% girls, age at T0 M = 13.05, SD = 0.39), final wave during spring 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure depression and social anxiety symptoms, desire for change in the amount of peer contact during lockdowns, and emotion regulation. Parallel process dual latent growth models and autoregressive cross-lagged models were used to test the hypotheses. Results showed that symptoms of both depression and social anxiety increase during adolescence. Gender analysis reveal a higher initial level and increase in depression symptoms for girls, while levels for boys decreased. Adolescents exposed to the pandemic showed a steeper increase in depression but not in social anxiety. Desire for more peer contact was related to an increase in depression and social anxiety, though only in girls. No evidence was found for moderation of emotion regulation skills concerning COVID evoked emotions on the association between desire for peer contact and anxiety and depression symptom development. Symptoms of social anxiety increased during adolescence in boys and girls. Symptoms of depression increased for girls, but decreased for boys. The increase in depression was greater in a cohort who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. For girls, a desire for more peer contact was associated with an increase of depression and social anxiety symptoms in times of social restrictions.

Longitudinal Associations between Future Time Perspective, Sleep Problems, and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese College Students: Between- and within-Person Effects.

Depressive symptoms and sleep problems are extremely prevalent in adolescence, and future time perspective has been found to be strongly associated with them. However, little is known about the longitudinal relationship and the temporal dynamics of future time perspective, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms. Moreover, it is unclear whether sleep problems mediate the associations between future time perspective and depressive symptoms. To address this gap, a one-year longitudinal study was performed using data collected at three waves from 622 Chinese college students (aged 17-22 years, Mage = 18.16, SD = 1.49, 46.95% males). The results of cross-lagged panel models showed a bidirectional relationship between future time perspective and depressive symptoms, and that sleep problems were a mediating mechanism for these relationships. The results of random intercept cross-lagged panel models showed that at the within-person level, the change of sleep problems and depressive symptoms significantly affected the development of future time perspective, but the reverse effect not significant. Moreover, sleep problems mediated the within-person effect of depressive symptoms on future time perspective. These findings deepen the understanding of the longitudinal relationship between future time perspective, sleep problems and depressive symptoms, and emphasize the important role of sleep health in adolescent mental health and future development.

A multigroup random-intercept cross-lagged panel model for Finnish secondary school students in frame of situated expectancy-value theory

The aim of this study is to examine both within-person and between-person associations of academic self-concept and task values in literacy and mathematics to identify the most promising motivational construct to prevent motivational decline during school transitions. The sample included 3636 students (average age at the start: 15.73 years, SD: 0.32 years) followed up three times from lower secondary school (T1) to the third year (T3) of upper secondary education, either in vocational or academic tracks. Multi-group random intercept cross-lagged panel models detected several spillover (cross-lagged) effects between self-concept and task values in mathematics but not in literacy. There were also marginal but significant differences between students from different educational tracks in both subjects. Overall, utility value and academic self-concept in mathematics were found to be the most promising motivational constructs in changing motivational beliefs, thus presenting important starting points in motivational interventions. Educational relevance and implications statementThis study highlights that spillover effects are more pronounced in maths than in literacy, emphasising the need for tailored interventions in mathematics education. Moreover, the potential disruption in students' motivational beliefs during school transitions suggests the importance of ensuring continuity in support to help mitigate the impact of these transitions. While our results indicate limited carryover effects, it is possible that school transitions are experienced as breaks in motivational development. The role of utility value in exhibiting spillover effects over school transitions in both maths and literacy suggests the significance of emphasising the practical relevance of academic subjects to sustain students' motivation. Additionally, recognising the superior role of academic self-concept in maths in spillover effects on task values underscores the importance of nurturing students' confidence and beliefs in their own mathematical abilities.

Depressive symptoms mediate the longitudinal relationships between sleep quality and cognitive functions among older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A cross-lagged modeling analysis

Although it is generally recognized that sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions are related respectively, the main ambiguity comes from difficulties in determining their cause-effect relationships. The present study aimed to explore the longitudinal causation relationships among sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions in older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 134 patients from 24 communities in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China with MCI were interviewed at baseline, while 124 of them were re-interviewed 2 months later, and 122 were re-interviewed 4 months later. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale were assessed in the interview. Cross-lagged models were tested to disentangle the relationships among sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functions using structural equation modeling with latent variables on the four-mouth longitudinal data. The correlation coefficients between sleep quality and depressive symptoms were significant showing the stability across time points of assessment, while the correlation coefficient of cognitive function was not significant (r = 0.159, p > 0.05). The results of index of model fit indicated that the cross-lagged model was acceptable (CFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.899, RMSEA = 0.075, χ2/df = 1.684). The results of cross-lagged model analysis supported the complete mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between sleep quality and cognitive functions, where worse sleep quality may lead to more severe depressive symptoms, which in turn leads to more severe cognitive decline. In Conclusion, sleep quality is significantly correlated with cognitive functions in patients with mild cognitive impairment, which association is fully mediated by depressive symptoms. Approaches addressing sleep quality and depressive symptoms are recommended and hold promise for the management of mild cognitive impairment.

Reciprocal Associations Between Relative or Absolute Physical Activity, Walking Performance, and Autonomy in Outdoor Mobility Among Older Adults: A 4-Year Follow-Up.

Objectives: To examine the reciprocal associations between walking performance, physical activity (PA), and perceived autonomy in outdoor mobility in 322 older adults. Methods: At baseline and four years later, a 6-min walk test assessed walking performance. A thigh-mounted accelerometer monitored relative PA (acceleration exceeding the individual's preferred walking intensity on the walk test) and absolute MVPA (acceleration exceeding 3 METs) in free-living. Autonomy in outdoor mobility was self-reported using the IPA subscale. Cross-lagged panel model was used for analyses. Results: Higher relative PA at baseline predicted better walking performance four years later and vice versa (p < .05). Baseline MVPA did not predict subsequent walking performance, but better initial walking performance predicted higher subsequent MVPA (p < .001). In both models, only walking performance predicted perceived autonomy at follow-up (p < .05). Discussion: Accumulating enough PA of a sufficient relative intensity can maintain good walking performance, which in turn helps to maintain perceived autonomy in mobility.

Depression, anxiety, and student satisfaction with university life among college students: a cross-lagged study

Previous studies have shown that a high prevalence of depression and anxiety is a key factor leading to a decrease in student satisfaction with university life. Therefore, this study used two waves of longitudinal data to investigate the longitudinal relationships among depression, anxiety, and student satisfaction with university life among college students. We employed correlation analysis and cross-lagged models to analyze the correlation and cross-lagged relationships among depression, anxiety, and student satisfaction with university life. The results indicate a significant negative correlation between depression and student satisfaction with university life. The cross-lagged models indicate that depression (Time 1) negatively predicts student satisfaction with university life (Time 2). Anxiety (Time 1) does not have a significant predictive effect on student satisfaction with university life (Time 2). Moreover, student satisfaction with university life negatively predicts both depression (Time 2) and anxiety (Time 2). Improving student satisfaction with university life has a significant impact on reducing levels of depression and anxiety among college students. The research results can provide valuable information for mental health professionals, school administrators, and policymakers, enabling them to take more targeted measures to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms among university students and enhance student satisfaction with university life.

The role of fathers’ and mothers’ acceptance in adaptive emotion regulation in Chinese preadolescents: Distinguishing between- and within-person effects

The relationship between parental styles and the regulation of emotions in adolescents has been extensively explored in previous research conducted in Western countries. However, the absence of research conducted within the cultural context of China, combined with imprecise methodologies, impedes the empirical validation of this association. This study aims to examine the longitudinal relationship between parental acceptance and preadolescent emotion regulation in the Chinese cultural context, utilizing a cross-lagged panel model with random intercepts. The sample comprised 1987 middle school students, with 56.10 % being male and a mean age of 12.32 years, from Guangdong and Shandong provinces. Participants provided feedback on assessments of parental acceptance and emotion regulation at three time points: the first and final semesters of seventh grade and the initial semester of eighth grade. The findings revealed a significant association between the random intercepts of paternal and maternal acceptance and adaptive emotion regulation in preadolescents at the between-person level. However, no statistically significant within-person cross-lagged effect was observed from parental acceptance to preadolescent adaptive emotion regulation. Similarly, changes in preadolescent emotion regulation did not significantly predict changes in parental acceptance. These findings challenge the tripartite model and suggest that the association between parental acceptance and preadolescent adaptive emotion regulation is predominantly influenced by trait-related factors.

Longitudinal relationships among number of chronic diseases, depression, and anxiety: A cross-lagged model analyses

BackgroundResearch is increasingly highlighting the intricate relationship between mental and physical health. However, longitudinal studies investigating the interplay between chronic diseases (CDs), depression and anxiety are still relatively scarce. This study aimed to delve into the longitudinal connections among these variables. MethodsThis study conducted a 4-year prospective survey involving 486 participants from rural communities in Shandong Province, China. The relationships among these variables were analyzed using multiple linear regression, cross-lagged path analysis, and multiple-group analysis. ResultsOur analysis revealed that the number of CDs reported at wave 1 significantly predicted anxiety levels (β = 0.126, p < .01) at wave 2, while depression symptoms also predicted anxiety (β = 0.220, p < .01) at wave 2. Furthermore, anxiety levels at wave 1 significantly predicted both the number of CDs (β = 0.219, p < .01) and depression symptoms (β = 0.160, p < .05) at wave 2. However, the study did not find support for a relationship between CDs and depression. ConclusionThe study uncovered a bidirectional association between CDs and anxiety, depression and anxiety, but found no direct longitudinal relationship between CDs and depression. Research has indicated that CDs indirectly affect depression through anxiety.

Do Children Cause the Cognitive Stimulation they Receive? Modelling the Direction of Causality.

We tested the directionality of associations between children's early-life cognitive development and the cognitive stimulation that they received from their parents. Our sample included up to 15,314 children from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), who were born between 1994 and 1996 in England and Wales and assessed at ages 3 and 4 years on cognitive development and cognitive stimulation, including singing rhymes, reading books, and playing games. Using genetically informative cross-lagged models, we found consistent, bidirectional effects from cognitive development at age 3 to cognitive stimulation at age 4, and from cognitive stimulation at age 3 to cognitive development at age 4. These cross-lagged longitudinal effects were largely explained by underlying common genetic and shared environmental factors, rather than reflecting causal mechanisms. Our findings emphasize the active role that children play in constructing their own learning experiences.

Cognitive impairment and depression precede increased HDL-C levels in middle-aged and older Chinese adults: cross-lagged panel analyses

BackgroundHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is widely recognized for its protective effects against cognitive decline. However, recent studies have presented conflicting results, with some suggesting no significant cognitive benefits or even an increased risk of dementia associated with high HDL-C levels. For those who suffer from depression, the cognitive benefits of HDL-C may be diminished or reversed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the associations between HDL-C, cognitive ability, and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.MethodsThe datasets utilized were sourced from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for the years 2011 and 2015, comprising 4,302 participants. Cross-lagged models were employed to explore the temporal sequence between cognitive performance and HDL-C levels, and to examine the interplay among depression, cognition, and HDL-C. Confounding factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, sleep conditions, and history of chronic diseases were controlled for.ResultsThe analysis revealed unidirectional effects of baseline impaired cognition and greater severity of depression on increased HDL-C levels at follow-up (β = − 0.036 and β = 0.028, respectively, P < 0.05). However, higher baseline HDL-C levels did not significantly predict cognitive performance or depression 4 years later (β = − 0.008 and β = 0.023, respectively, P > 0.05). Depressive symptoms and cognition were found to have a significant bidirectional association (β = − 0.026 and β = − 0.053, respectively, P < 0.05).ConclusionsCognitive impairment and depression are associated with higher HDL-C levels, whereas higher HDL-C levels do not appear to protect against cognitive decline or depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of preserving cognitive and mental health, which may lower the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and dementia. Future studies should validate these findings and develop targeted interventions tailored to specific populations.

Longitudinal associations between deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior in Chinese preadolescence: Differentiating between-person effects from within-person effects.

The present study employed the cross-lagged panel model and the random intercepts cross-lagged panel model to investigate the longitudinal association between deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior in Chinese preadolescents. A sample of 1987 students, comprising 56.10% male participants with a mean age of 12.32 years (SD = 0.53), from Guangdong and Shandong provinces, completed the Deviant Peer Affiliation Scale and the Externalizing Behavior Scale in biannual surveys. The surveys were conducted in the autumn semester of 7th grade, the spring semester of 7th grade, and the autumn semester of 8th grade. The cross-lagged panel model illustrated a bidirectional association between adolescents' involvement with deviant peers and externalizing behavior. Conversely, the random intercepts cross-lagged panel model indicated a positive association between deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior at the between-person level. At the within-person level, a significant predictive correlation was identified between the association with deviant peers and subsequent externalizing behavior, whereas the reverse pathway was determined to be statistically insignificant. To comprehend the connection between deviant peer association and externalizing behavior in preadolescence, it is essential to differentiate between between-person and within-person effects and utilize a sophisticated research methodology.

Disentangling the directionality among cultural stressors and psychosocial outcomes in recently immigrated Hispanic families: A random intercept cross-lagged panel model approach.

Research shows the impact of cultural stressors (e.g. perceived discrimination, bicultural stressors, negative context of reception) on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. Given the presence of multiple cultural stressors in many Hispanic adolescents' lives, it is essential to examine the (a) developmental sequencing of cultural stressors among recent immigrant youth and (b) predictive effects of cultural stressors on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. We employed a random intercept cross-lagged panel model to examine the longitudinal interplay among cultural stressors and their effects on youth outcomes using longitudinal data with six waves among 302 recently immigrated Hispanic adolescents (47% girls, Mage = 14.51, SD = .88). We observed bidirectional within-person relations and between-person associations among cultural stressors. At the within-person level, bidirectional cross-lagged effects emerged between perceived discrimination and bicultural stress, between perceived discrimination and negative context of reception, and between negative context of reception and bicultural stress. At the between-person level, bidirectional cross-lagged effects emerged only between perceived discrimination and bicultural stressors. Our findings indicate that cultural stressors explain heterogeneity in psychosocial outcomes: self-esteem was inversely predicted by all cultural stressors, whereas depressive symptoms were predicted only by perceived discrimination. In addition, optimism was predicted only by bicultural stressors, and externalizing behavior was predicted by both bicultural stressors and perceived discrimination. These results suggest that the longitudinal relationships among cultural stressors are (partly) bidirectional. Additionally, cultural stressors demonstrated differential predictive effects on psychosocial outcomes, indicating the added value of considering multiple cultural stressors and their longitudinal effects on adolescents' psychosocial outcomes.

The Interplay between nighttime/midday sleep duration and the number of new-onset chronic diseases: A decade-long prospective study in China

ObjectiveTo investigate the interplay between individual nighttime and midday sleep duration and the number of new-onset chronic diseases and determine the optimal sleep duration associated with lowest number of new-onset chronic diseases. MethodsWe used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) covering a decade and involving 10,828 participants. A random intercept cross-lagged model was used to explore the interplay between nighttime/midday sleep durations and new-onset chronic diseases at both the within-individual and between-individual levels, followed by a dose–response analysis at the between-individual level to determine the optimal sleep duration. New-onset chronic diseases include 14 types of self-reported diseases diagnosed by doctors. ResultsWithin-individual analysis revealed that increased nighttime/midday sleep duration led to a higher number of new-onset chronic diseases, and an increased number of new-onset chronic diseases resulted in decreased nighttime sleep duration. Between nighttime and midday sleep, one type of sleep duration increase was likely to lead to an increase in another type. Between-individual analysis found a nonlinear relationship between the number of new-onset chronic diseases and nighttime sleep duration, identifying the optimal nighttime sleep duration as 7.46 h. ConclusionsThese findings elucidate the interplay between sleep duration and number of new-onset chronic diseases and underscore the need for public awareness and comprehensive interventions. Future studies should focus on refining sleep monitoring and exploring the sleep–chronic diseases nexus in greater depth.

Brief Research Report: The Relationship Between College Instructor Affect and Autonomy-Supportive Teaching

Autonomy supportive teaching practices are associated with a variety of positive student outcomes. Past research has identified various intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors that contribute to instructors’ use of autonomy support. However, the extent to which instructor affect predicts changes in their use of autonomy support, as well as the reverse, has yet to be examined. In the current study, we surveyed 405 college instructors across two timepoints during the Spring 2022 semester to examine the reciprocal relationships between instructors’ positive and negative affect during class and their use of autonomy support. Cross-lagged panel models suggested that instructors’ use of autonomy support predicted an increase in overall positive affect during class over time, while instructors’ overall positive affect in class did not predict an increase in autonomy support in class over time. Reciprocal relationships emerged for the specific affective states of feeling content and determined in class. No relationships between instructor negative affect and their use of autonomy support emerged in either direction. Results highlight the importance of examining the ways in which instructors’ positive affect shape instructional behaviors and the benefits that instructors may experience when implementing autonomy support in the classroom.

HERO in action (crisis): the role of psychological capital in experiencing an action crisis

In some situations, goal striving does not go without problems, leading to intrapsychic decisional conflict between giving up and persisting in problematic goal striving, known as an action crisis. However, only limited attention has been devoted to cultivable positive psychological resources that can shield individuals from an action crisis development. In the six studies, we examined the role of psychological capital (PsyCap), the higher-order construct based on similarities between hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism and their unique characteristics in an action crisis experience. A pilot study (N = 295) established a link between variables, indicating that the more PsyCap participants had, the fewer action crises they experienced (and vice versa). In a preregistered follow-up study (N = 210), this finding was replicated. Furthermore, it was shown that the relationship was indirect, potentially mediated by the appraisals of goal attainment. In the third study (N = 411), some essential aspects were varied. The main findings were conceptually replicated, showing that PsyCap was associated with action crisis and predicted it above and beyond selected personality traits (negative emotionality and conscientiousness). In the fourth and fifth study (N = 272 and N = 268), the indirect role of goal-related negative emotions, controlled motivation, and effort was supported. Also, results were partially extended to goal progress. However, in a longitudinal study (N = 254) with the random intercept cross-lagged panel model, it was shown that although the average level of PsyCap across time points is negatively associated with the average level of action crisis (i.e., the between-person effect was supported), the cross-lagged within-subject effect of PsyCap on action crisis was not supported.

Exploring the Interplay between Stress Perception and Approach-Avoidance Achievement Goal Orientation among Rural Students in College: A Longitudinal Study in China.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between stress perception and achievement goals among rural college students in China. Using a two-wave random intercept cross-lagged model, this study analyzed data from a longitudinal survey conducted at 15 public universities in Beijing. First, there was a significant decline in stress levels among Chinese rural students from their junior to senior years. Second, the achievement goal orientations of these students remained relatively stable during the period. Third, while no significant association was found between approach goals and stress perception, a clear positive reciprocal relationship emerged between avoidance goals and stress perception. These results suggest that educators should focus on alleviating the stress experienced by rural college students through academic, employment, and interpersonal support to break the vicious cycle of stress perception and avoidance goal orientation. Future research should further explore the influence of diverse group characteristics and emotional states on these outcomes.

The potential synergy between air pollution control and employment growth

Public service sectors play crucial roles in maintaining societal functioning through the provision of essential services. However, amidst the backdrop of air pollution, their developmental trajectories may veer off course from their intended goals. Quantifying the impact of air pollution on public service sectors, particularly from an employment perspective, offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster the sustainable growth of these sectors and expand the analysis framework on air pollution externalities. Drawing on monthly data spanning from January 2015 to December 2019 across 269 prefecture cities, this paper therefore explores the impact of air pollution on public service sector employment using a cross-lagged panel model with fixed effects. I find that air pollution negatively affects the employment scales in public service sectors. This negative employment shock is also unevenly distributed across areas and sub-sectors and intensifies over time. Cities belong to key areas for air pollution prevention and control, small and medium-sized cities, and secondary-industry dominated cities, suffer disproportionately negative employment shocks in their public service sectors. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers to implement targeted measures supporting the continued growth of public service sectors and deepen understanding of the economic ramifications of air pollution.

Longitudinal relationships between anti-fat attitudes and muscle dysmorphia symptoms

Weight stigma, and more specifically, anti-fat attitudes, is associated with disordered eating. Furthermore, these anti-fat attitudes influence various appearance ideals. Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is characterized by preoccupation with the muscular ideal and is a potential form of disordered eating commonly experienced by men. Despite theory suggesting that anti-fat attitudes may contribute to MD, research has yet to examine associations between anti-fat attitudes and MD symptoms. Therefore, the current study investigated longitudinal relationships between anti-fat attitudes and MD symptoms. Participants were 269 U.S. men recruited from Prolific who completed three self-report surveys each separated by one month. Primary analyses examined longitudinal relationships between specific anti-fat attitudes and MD symptoms using an adapted three-wave cross-lagged panel model. Results demonstrated that believing that fat people do not have willpower was longitudinally associated with desires to increase muscle size at multiple time points. Furthermore, MD-specific functional impairment predicted fears of becoming fat longitudinally. Practically, men may desire to increase their muscularity to demonstrate their own willpower and distance themselves from anti-fat stereotypes. Thus, clinicians may consider targeting weight stigmatizing attitudes to reduce MD symptom severity among their male clients.