Structural Equation Modeling Framework Research Articles

Affliction class moderates the dementing impact of adipokines.

Biomarker-specific interventions (e.g., for dementia) will necessitate an individualized approach to treatment. We have constructed a psychometric classifier to identify persons adversely impacted by plasma adipokines. The subjects (N = 1,737) of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were assigned to groups "afflicted" by versus "resilient" against the unique effect of plasma adipokines using a classifier derived by confirmatory factor analysis in a structural equation model framework. The impact of affliction class above and beyond observed biomarker levels and covariates was tested by multivariate regression using CDR "Sum of Boxes" as the dependent variable. The affliction class' moderation of adipokines' effect was tested by chi-square difference. The effect of affliction class on prospective conversion risk was tested by Cox's proportional hazards models. Seven hundred four out of the 1,737 subjects (40.53%) were assigned to the afflicted class. The afflicted subjects had greater dementia severity, lower (adverse) Adipokines factor composite scores (by analysis of variance, F(1, 1,735) 2619.68, p < .001) and higher observed levels of plasma adipokines (by Tukey's honestly significant difference test, all p < .001). Adipokines' association with dementia severity was moderated by affliction class. The effect persisted at 48 months. Afflicted cases were more likely to convert to Alzheimer's disease in that timeframe, by Cox's F: F(234, 286) = 3.89, p < .001. Our approach could guide precision interventions against specific biomarkers. This classifier could be administered by telephone, making class assignment feasible without direct patient contact or biomarker assessment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Fitting Single- and Multiple-Indicator STARTS Models as Dynamic Structural Equation Models

The STARTS model is a structural equation model that decomposes individual differences in a longitudinally assessed variable into a time-invariant stable component, a time-varying autoregressive component, and a time-point specific state component. Typically, the model is estimated with Maximum Likelihood in standard SEM software. Here, we show how different STARTS models (the single-indicator univariate and multivariate and the multiple-indicator univariate model) can be incorporated into the Dynamic Structural Equation Model framework. We use the data of an experience sampling study to illustrate the expositions and we provide codes to fit the models in Mplus. As the DSEM parameters are estimated with a Bayesian approach, we also report the results of three simulation studies in which we examined the statistical properties of the parameter estimates obtained in the DSEM framework. Finally, we discuss how to estimate variants of the STARTS model and we make suggestions for future applied and methodological research.

The Role of Academic Motivation in Self-Regulation, Goal Orientation, and Passion Among Medical Students with Self-Handicapping Behaviors

Background: Self-handicapping behaviors, characterized by creating obstacles or excuses to avoid failure, can hinder academic success. Understanding how academic motivation mediates the relationship between self-handicapping behaviors and academic performance is crucial for supporting medical students. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between academic self-regulation, goal orientation, passion, and self-handicapping behaviors among medical students, with academic motivation as a potential mediator. Methods: The present study employed a descriptive, correlational approach to examine the relationships between variables within a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework. The population consisted of all undergraduate medical students with self-handicapping behaviors at Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in 2022. The sample comprised 204 medical students selected using purposive sampling, who completed the Academic Passion Scale, Goal Orientation Scale, Academic Self-Regulation Scale, and Academic Motivation Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the model with AMOS 24. Results: The SEM analysis revealed that the proposed model had a good fit to the data (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05). The results further demonstrated that goal orientation directly enhanced students' academic passion, while academic self-regulation did not have a direct impact. However, strong self-regulation indirectly increased passion by fostering academic motivation (P &lt; 0.001). Similarly, goal orientation also worked indirectly through motivation to enhance academic passion (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of goal setting and academic motivation in fostering academic passion among medical students with self-handicapping behaviors. While academic self-regulation strategies may not directly translate to academic passion, they can contribute indirectly by fostering academic motivation. Educators and practitioners can promote academic passion and address self-handicapping behaviors in medical students by encouraging goal orientation, academic motivation, self-regulation, and providing support for overcoming challenges.

Perceived stress and life satisfaction: the mediating roles of sport commitment and mobile phone addiction

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction under the influence of mobile phone addiction and sport commitment. Participants were recruited from eight universities located in six Chinese cities, naming Chongqing, Maoming, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Zhengzhou. The sample consisted of 575 participants enrolled in Chinese universities, with 309 (53.7%) being female students. The mediation model was tested under the structural equation modeling framework using Mplus. Results showed that (1) perceived stress had a direct and negative impact on life satisfaction, and it also had indirect effects through the two mediators; (2) perceived stress positively predicted mobile phone addiction, which, in turn, negatively impacted life satisfaction; (3) perceived stress negatively predicted sport commitment, which, in turn, positively impacted life satisfaction. By emphasizing the mediating roles of mobile phone addiction and sport commitment, our findings highlight the importance of addressing these factors in interventions aimed at encouraging college students’ well-being. Implications for intervention design to promoter health among university students should take into account the mediating roles of mobile phone addiction and sport commitment.

Dryland state transitions alter trophic interactions in a predator-prey system.

Environmental change is expected to alter trophic interactions and food web dynamics with consequences for ecosystem structure, function and stability. However, the mechanisms by which environmental change influences top-down and bottom-up processes are poorly documented. Here, we examined how environmental change caused by shrub encroachment affects trophic interactions in a dryland. The predator-prey system included an apex canid predator (coyote; Canis latrans), an intermediate canid predator (kit fox; Vulpes macrotis), and two herbivorous lagomorph prey (black-tailed jackrabbit, Lepus californicus; and desert cottontail, Sylvilagus audubonii) in the Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico, USA. We evaluated alternative hypotheses for how shrub encroachment could affect habitat use and trophic interactions, including (i) modifying bottom-up processes by reducing herbaceous forage, (ii) modifying top-down processes by changing canid space use or the landscape of fear experienced by lagomorph prey and (iii) altering intraguild interactions between the dominant coyote and the intermediate kit fox. We used 7 years of camera trap data collected across grassland-to-shrubland gradients under variable precipitation to test our a priori hypotheses within a structural equation modelling framework. Lagomorph prey responded strongly to bottom-up pulses during years of high summer precipitation, but only at sites with moderate to high shrub cover. This outcome is inconsistent with the hypothesis that bottom-up effects should be strongest in grasslands because of greater herbaceous food resources. Instead, this interaction likely reflects changes in the landscape of fear because perceived predation risk in lagomorphs is reduced in shrub-dominated habitats. Shrub encroachment did not directly affect predation pressure on lagomorphs by changing canid site use intensity. However, site use intensity of both canid species was positively associated with jackrabbits, indicating additional bottom-up effects. Finally, we detected interactions between predators in which coyotes restricted space use of kit foxes, but these intraguild interactions also depended on shrub encroachment. Our findings demonstrate how environmental change can affect trophic interactions beyond traditional top-down and bottom-up processes by altering perceived predation risk in prey. These results have implications for understanding spatial patterns of herbivory and the feedbacks that reinforce shrubland states in drylands worldwide.

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility Policy on Customers' Appetite to Buy Environmental Friendly Products before and After COVID-19

Purpose: This research aims to thoroughly examine the diverse effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer Appetite, specifically concentrating on consumers' inclination toward purchasing environmentally sustainable products. Notably, we investigate consumers' perceptions across different periods, scrutinizing behavioral shifts before and after the COVID-19 era. Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a robust empirical strategy, our survey methodology involves a substantial sample of 815 respondents, focusing on the demographic of young consumers in Bangladesh-a dynamic developing nation. The data collection process encompasses a meticulously crafted questionnaire, and our analysis employs the sophisticated framework of structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Our insights go beyond conventional observations, revealing a nuanced understanding of consumer priorities even in the wake of the pandemic. Consumers consistently prioritize corporate practices related to circular economy principles, the geographical aspects of cloth production, raw material origins, pollution control, workers' rights, and the responsible utilization of recycled materials. Originality/value: This study introduces an original model that significantly contributes to comprehending the impact of CSR on consumer behavior, highlighting its relevance for policymakers in Bangladesh. The implications extend beyond the immediate scope, influencing strategies for integrating eco-friendly products into the broader business environment. Consequences: The empirical findings in this study challenge existing assumptions, emphasizing the pivotal influence of environmental considerations on shaping positive consumer behavior. Beyond superficial observations, this research offers a more sophisticated view of the intricate processes, providing significant insights for academics, industry experts, and businesses.

Innovation in family businesses: Exploring the influence of entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity on innovative capacity

Firms’ innovation positively affects their competitiveness and thus their financial performance. To bridge the research gap in the theoretical framework of dynamic capabilities and respond to the call for papers to explore new ways of analyzing innovation in family businesses, this study investigates how entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity influence innovative capacity in family firms. Data from 156 family firms are analyzed using the theoretical framework of dynamic capabilities and structural equation modeling. The results reveal that both entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity influence innovative capacity and that this influence is greater when both capabilities act together than when they act individually. This study confirms that entrepreneurial orientation and absorptive capacity are antecedents of innovative capacity. Moreover, entrepreneurial orientation has a greater influence on innovative capacity than absorptive capacity does.

Stimulation beliefs, parental reading involvement, and social inequalities in children's language development

Objective: This study investigates whether greater identification of mothers and fathers in different-sex couples with the stimulation dimension of intensive parenting promoted both parents' involvement in reading and benefited children's language development between ages 3 and 5 in the UK. In addition, we explore social class variations. Background: Our study tests the frequently assumed relationship of parenting beliefs about stimulation with language development, and contributes to our understanding of parenting practices and their implications for child development. Method: We draw on a large representative sample of young children from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (N = 8,071) and apply path analyses in the framework of structural equation models. Results: For mothers and fathers, stimulation beliefs partially mediated the relation between parental education and reading frequency. Mothers' and fathers' stimulation beliefs had positive effects on children’s language abilities, but their impact was small compared to the direct associations with parental education. Conclusion: While parental education emerges as a key determinant of children's language development, our study reveals the nuanced role of beliefs about stimulation within intensive parenting, prompting further investigation into the multifaceted nature of parental involvement.

SEMbap: Bow-free covariance search and data de-correlation.

Large-scale studies of gene expression are commonly influenced by biological and technical sources of expression variation, including batch effects, sample characteristics, and environmental impacts. Learning the causal relationships between observable variables may be challenging in the presence of unobserved confounders. Furthermore, many high-dimensional regression techniques may perform worse. In fact, controlling for unobserved confounding variables is essential, and many deconfounding methods have been suggested for application in a variety of situations. The main contribution of this article is the development of a two-stage deconfounding procedure based on Bow-free Acyclic Paths (BAP) search developed into the framework of Structural Equation Models (SEM), called SEMbap(). In the first stage, an exhaustive search of missing edges with significant covariance is performed via Shipley d-separation tests; then, in the second stage, a Constrained Gaussian Graphical Model (CGGM) is fitted or a low dimensional representation of bow-free edges structure is obtained via Graph Laplacian Principal Component Analysis (gLPCA). We compare four popular deconfounding methods to BAP search approach with applications on simulated and observed expression data. In the former, different structures of the hidden covariance matrix have been replicated. Compared to existing methods, BAP search algorithm is able to correctly identify hidden confounding whilst controlling false positive rate and achieving good fitting and perturbation metrics.

NARCISSISM AND ENVY'S EFFECT ON TOURISTS SHARING SELFIE IN SOCIAL COMPARISON THEORY APPROACH

Tourism, as a social endeavor, has been significantly influenced by advancements in technology and communication tools, thereby facilitating interpersonal interactions as a social activity. The widespread integration of smart technologies and the continually evolving social media platforms have fundamentally altered the rapid dissemination of tourist experiences. Consequently, this research aims to examine the tendency to share selfies on social media platforms within the framework of social comparison theory. Data were collected from 533 participants through an online survey and were subjected to Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Path Analysis within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling. The analyses revealed that narcissism and envy positively impact tourists' tendencies to share selfies on social media platforms. Based on these findings, the study offers recommendations for developing effective strategies for tourism stakeholders.

Mediation Analysis with Multiple Exposures and Multiple Mediators.

A mediation analysis approach is proposed for multiple exposures, multiple mediators, and a continuous scalar outcome under the linear structural equation modeling framework. It assumes that there exist orthogonal components that demonstrate parallel mediation mechanisms on the outcome, and thus is named principal component mediation analysis (PCMA). Likelihood-based estimators are introduced for simultaneous estimation of the component projections and effect parameters. The asymptotic distribution of the estimators is derived for low-dimensional data. A bootstrap procedure is introduced for inference. Simulation studies illustrate the superior performance of the proposed approach. Applied to a proteomics-imaging dataset from the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI), the proposed framework identifies protein deposition-brain atrophy-memory deficit mechanisms consistent with existing knowledge and suggests potential AD pathology by integrating data collected from different modalities.

Do early midlife work characteristics predict 20-year change in control beliefs?

Previous research showed the importance of control beliefs for many life outcomes. The present study examines associations between subjectively perceived work environment and objectively measured work activities at the beginning of midlife as a central developmental phase in the context of work, with control beliefs across the subsequent 20 years. We analyzed four-wave longitudinal data from N = 374 participants (born 1950-1952; Mage baseline = 44 years, SD = 1; 44% women) from the Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Development and Aging within a structural equation modeling framework. Over 20 years and overall, internal control beliefs were stable, while external control beliefs decreased. Individuals who reported higher task variety and better social integration at work at baseline also reported higher levels of control beliefs for positive life outcomes. In addition, higher social integration at work at baseline was related to lower levels of external control beliefs. Work characteristics at baseline were not associated with individual differences in change in control beliefs across the 20-year observational interval. In summary, our findings suggest that work experiences at the prime of job-related development around the midst of the fifth decade of life do not play a major role in subsequent control beliefs development across 20 years. However, investigations measuring control beliefs as well as work characteristics continuously over a long period of time are necessary to shed light on reciprocal influences between work and personality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Workforce Sustainability in Our Aging Society: Exploring How the Burden–Burnout Mechanism Exacerbates the Turnover Intentions of Employees Who Combine Work and Informal Eldercare

Understanding the labor market participation shift associated with an aging population and the challenges of employees who provide care to old-age relatives is essential to ensure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. The current study focuses on the decision of employees who combine paid work with unpaid care to relatives aged 65 and above to stay or leave their jobs. We draw on the Turnover Model and the Informal Caregivers Integrative Model (ICIM) to examine how two primary stressors—care burden and work demand—one secondary stressor—work–family conflict—and emotional exhaustion increase the turnover intentions of employees who combine paid work with eldercare to their old relatives aged 65 and over. By synthesizing these two models and using a survey with three chronological waves among 356 Israeli employees, we analyze a mediation model within a Structural Equation Modeling framework. The findings underscore the fact that work–family conflict (a secondary stressor) and the sense of exhaustion act as key mediators in the relationship between employees’ primary stressors and turnover intentions. The presence of primary stressors in themselves does not increase turnover intentions. Our findings imply that, rather than providing sporadic adaptations at work, policymakers, organizations, and human resource management systems should respond proactively to prevent the process from undermining employees’ ability to achieve equilibrium between their desire to work and care for their old-age relatives. Such a proactive stance would reduce their exhaustion and turnover intention.

PENGARUH SUPPORT SYSTEM DAN WORK LIFE BALANCE TERHADAP PENGEMBANGAN KARIER DAN KEPUASAN KERJA PEGAWAI WANITA DI YAYASAN DHYANA PURA

This study aims to determine the influence of support systems and work-life balance on career development and job satisfaction among female employees at Yayasan Dhyana Pura. The research methodology employed a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of all female employees at Yayasan Dhyana Pura totaling 37 individuals. Data collection techniques included questionnaires, interviews, observations, and literature reviews. The analytical techniques utilized to address the hypotheses were quantitative descriptive analysis and Partial Least Square (PLS) using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework. The findings indicate that support systems have a positive influence on the career development and job satisfaction of female employees at Yayasan Dhyana Pura. Although work-life balance does not significantly affect either, career development positively impacts job satisfaction, and the presence of a strong support system enhances career development opportunities, thereby increasing job satisfaction, while work-life balance has no direct influence.

Teachers’ instructional support and students’ peer relationships in the classroom

ABSTRACT The study aimed to investigate the association between teachers’ instructional support and peer relationships among Norwegian students in grades 5–10 (ages 10–15). The mediating role of student engagement was investigated. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of student behaviour on peer relationships and whether these associations were mediated by instructional support. The quality of instructional support was measured using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observation protocol and student reports. Peer relationships were measured by self-report in the fall and the spring of an academic year. Student’s mental health problems and reactive aggressiveness were measured in the fall. The analyses were conducted within a Multilevel Structural Equation Models (MSEM) framework. The results indicated that peer relationships were stable from fall to spring at both the classroom and student levels. Observed, but not student-reported, instructional support was associated with peer relationships. Furthermore, when reactive aggressiveness and mental health problems were controlled for, students’ perceived instructional support in the fall was associated with peer relationships in the spring. The results emphasise the importance of teachers’ instructional support for the quality of peer relationships and affective and instructional aspects of teaching do not need to compete.

The current practice of latent growth curve modeling in the social and behavioral sciences: Observations and recommendations

We examine recommendations for three key features of latent growth curve models in the structural equation modeling framework. As a basis for the discussion, we review current practice in the social and behavioral sciences literature as found in 441 reports published in the 19 months beginning in January 2019 and compare our findings to extant recommendations. We then provide suggestions for empirical researchers, reviewing the application of these very popular models, specifically focusing on comparison of alternative change models, time metric and interval features implemented, and the treatment of individually varying time intervals.

Psychopathic Traits in Adult versus Adolescent Males: Measurement Invariance across the PCL-R and PCL:YV.

Both the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), respectively, are established instruments for assessment of psychopathy and development of psychopathic propensity. To reliably compare scores from both instruments, measurement invariance must be established. The current study involved a combined sample of 1091 male participants (adults = 813; adolescents = 278) from correctional facilities in New Mexico. An exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework was used to test for measurement invariance. The four-factor ESEM model demonstrated good fit for the combined and individual samples. Results from the multiple group ESEM provide evidence for generally strong invariance, with equivalent factor loadings and thresholds. Adolescents exhibited decreased latent interpersonal traits but increased latent features on other PCL factors (affective, lifestyle, and antisocial) compared to adults. Findings suggest that the four-factor model and the measurement of psychopathic traits remain consistent across age groups. Implications of the findings within research and clinical contexts are discussed.

Family Functioning and Adolescent Mental Health: The Mediating Role of Bullying Victimization and Resilience.

This study aimed to understand the current state of adolescent mental health, explore the mediating effect of bullying victimization and resilience in the relationship between adolescent family functioning and mental health, and investigate gender differences in this association. A total of 4319 students (2347 boys and 1972 girls) completed the questionnaire. Mediating effects were analyzed using the framework of structural equation modeling and bootstrapping. The results revealed that family functioning is significantly associated with adolescent mental health, and that bullying victimization and resilience have significant independent and chain mediating effects on this relationship. Multiple group analysis revealed that the independent mediating role of resilience was more significant for male adolescents. Furthermore, the chain-mediated effects of bullying victimization and resilience were observed only in the relationship between family functioning and mental health in male adolescents. To improve the mental health of adolescents, special attention should be given to the impact of family life on adolescents' school life. Early detection and intervention for adolescents with poor family functioning are also important to effectively prevent bullying victimization and reduce the emergence of mental health problems.

The path of social integration of migrants in poverty alleviation relocation: A case study of dongchuan from Yunnan plateau mountainous areas

Poverty eradication is a critical objective of the Un 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China's Poverty Alleviation Relocation (PAR) has made positive contributions to global poverty alleviation. The success of PAR depends on identifying factors affecting migrants' intentions to move and understanding their lives post-PAR, which is usually ignored in the literature. Therefore, based on the social integration theory, this study adopts a structural equation modeling framework to empirically explore the social integration process of PAR migrants using the sample data sourced from a survey on the resettlement site in Yunnan province, China. The results show that the social integration of PAR migrants goes through the path of economic integration, community integration, and psychological integration, where community and social support help migrants to transition from improving economic standards of living to finding a place attachment and being a member of the new community. The empirical evidence indicates policymakers should consider providing support for PAR migrants to participate in community activities and engage with residents to gain social capital for them to adapt to the new community.

Cognition Mediates the Association Between Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Amyloid and P-Tau and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) can be an early manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the associations among NPS, cognition, and AD biomarkers across the disease spectrum are unclear. We analyzed cross-sectional mediation pathways between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD (Aβ1-42, p-tau181), cognitive function, and NPS. Primary models included 781 participants from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) data set who had CSF analyzed for AD biomarkers using Lumipulse. NPS were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). We assessed cognition with the harmonized MMSE/MoCA, as well as neuropsychological tests sensitive to AD pathology: story recall, naming, animal fluency, and Trails B. The Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR®) scale assessed dementia severity. Mediation models were estimated with Kemeny metric covariance in a structural equation model framework, controlling for age, education, sex, and APOEɛ4. The sample was older adults (M = 73.85, SD = 6.68; 49.9% male, 390; 27.9% dementia, 218) who were predominantly white (n = 688, 88.1%). Higher p-tau181/Aβ1-42 ratio predicted higher NPI-Q, which was partially mediated by the MMSE/MoCA and, in a second model, story recall. No other pathway was statistically significant. Both the MMSE/MoCA and NPI-Q independently mediated the association between p-tau181/Aβ1-42 ratio and CDR global impairment. With dementia excluded, p-tau181/Aβ1-42 ratio was no longer associated with the NPI-Q. NPS may be secondary to cognitive impairment and AD pathology through direct and indirect pathways. NPS independently predict dementia severity in AD. However, AD pathology likely plays less of a role in NPS in samples without dementia.