Longitudinal Network Research Articles

Towards modeling and analysis of longitudinal social networks

There are various methods for handling longitudinal data in graphs and social networks, all of which have an impact on the algorithms used in data analysis. This article provides an overview of limitations, potential solutions, and unanswered questions regarding different temporal data schemas in social networks that are comparable to existing techniques. Restricting algorithms to a specific time point or layer has no effect on the results. However, when applying these approaches to a network with multiple time points, adjusted algorithms or reinterpretation becomes necessary. Therefore, using a generic definition of temporal networks as one graph, we aim to explore how we could analyze longitudinal social networks with centrality measures. Additionally, we introduce two new measures, “importance” and “change”, to identify nodes with specific behaviors. We provide case studies featuring three different real-world networks exhibiting both limitations and benefits of the novel approach. Furthermore, we present techniques to estimate variations in importance and degree centrality over time.

A Bayesian Longitudinal Network Analysis of Panic-Disorder Symptoms and Respiratory Biomarkers

The network theory of psychopathology is gaining popularity as a conceptualization of psychological disorders that may aid the identification of mechanisms of therapeutic change. However, many existing networks do not consider other relevant variables beyond the symptoms themselves. We present a large-scale ( n = 1,873), longitudinal Bayesian network analysis of panic disorder using the symptom items from the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and two respiratory biomarkers (respiration rate and end-tidal CO2) collected during routine monitoring of a capnometry-guided respiratory intervention (CGRI). Our findings offer support for avoidance and fear of panic as drivers of subsequent panic-disorder symptoms over the 4-week course of treatment. Moreover, respiration rate but not end-tidal CO2 was associated with downstream PDSS symptoms. These findings provide further evidence supporting the role of respiratory biomarkers in the maintenance of panic disorder and some support for normalization of dysfunctional breathing as one therapeutic mechanism governing CGRI.

Network analysis of PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptom Co-occurrence among U.S. veterans seeking treatment

BackgroundFor the past twenty years, veterans have sustained an unprecedented operational tempo, which can lead to co-occurring mental health disorders. When veterans present for clinical services, the symptom constellation can be challenging to treat due to the overlap of posttraumatic stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms. With limitations, researchers have traditionally used latent variable models to investigate the association between these constructs, whereas network analysis provides a novel approach to study symptom- and disorder-level associations. MethodIn our evaluation of symptom co-occurrence among veterans, we used a sample of treatment-seeking veterans (N = 591) who completed self-report measures of PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety. ResultsOur cross-sectional network analysis yielded five empirically distinct communities: intrusion and avoidance, hyperarousal and numbing, negative alterations, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms. LimitationsThe data is cross-sectional and should be modeled in longitudinal networks. ConclusionsNetwork associations underscore the heterogeneity of PTSD and also highlight overlapping and diverging symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety. These findings are discussed within the context of existing research on veterans, and recommendations for further study and treatment interventions are provided.

What's going on with teleworking? a scoping review of its effects on well-being.

Studies of teleworking and well-being increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to provide an overview of this emerging body of knowledge. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a scoping review using Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science), Sociological Abstracts (PROQUEST), and SocINDEX with full text (EBSCOhost). Articles published in English up to December 2022 were included. The result was a total of 2695 potentially relevant studies. After a double-screening procedure, 132 studies were chosen for data extraction. A content analysis was carried out to provide a summary of the social mechanisms linking teleworking to indicators of well-being related to mental health and quality of life. A complex picture of variables emerges on the impact of teleworking through direct or indirect mechanisms and a number of interactions with worker's characteristics. First, the features of the environment matter, as it affects well-being, for example, depending on a better digital infrastructure, access to daylight and sufficient space. Second, it is not only a question of "where" we telework, but also "how much". The advantages of a hybrid mode seem to be emerging to avoid an excessive lack of in-person social interaction, while offering greater flexibility in organizing daily life and reducing commuting times. Third, beyond the modalities of teleworking per se, it is key to take into account how these interact with workers' personalities, their choices and preferences, which are often dictated by the stage of life they are in, e.g., parenting and career stages. In sum, the literature suggests that a straight answer on the positive or negative effects of teleworking is neither useful nor necessary. Multiple answers are possible to unveil the specific working arrangements that makes workers' lives better according to their different needs. It seems essential to continue research on teleworking away from the exceptional stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have greatly skewed the evidence on the detrimental effects of teleworking. Planning more complex research designs using longitudinal data and network analyses could improve understanding of how teleworking is changing careers, lifestyles and social relationships.

MOCHA’s advanced statistical modeling of scATAC-seq data enables functional genomic inference in large human cohorts

Single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (scATAC-seq) is being increasingly used to study gene regulation. However, major analytical gaps limit its utility in studying gene regulatory programs in complex diseases. In response, MOCHA (Model-based single cell Open CHromatin Analysis) presents major advances over existing analysis tools, including: 1) improving identification of sample-specific open chromatin, 2) statistical modeling of technical drop-out with zero-inflated methods, 3) mitigation of false positives in single cell analysis, 4) identification of alternative transcription-starting-site regulation, and 5) modules for inferring temporal gene regulatory networks from longitudinal data. These advances, in addition to open chromatin analyses, provide a robust framework after quality control and cell labeling to study gene regulatory programs in human disease. We benchmark MOCHA with four state-of-the-art tools to demonstrate its advances. We also construct cross-sectional and longitudinal gene regulatory networks, identifying potential mechanisms of COVID-19 response. MOCHA provides researchers with a robust analytical tool for functional genomic inference from scATAC-seq data.

The Gendered Influence of Cross-Gender Friends on the Development of Adolescents’ Gender Role Attitudes

Gender role attitudes have important implications at the individual, family, and societal levels, underscoring the importance of understanding their development. Although parents predominate in the socialization of gender role attitudes in childhood, the influence of friends increases during adolescence. In particular, cross-gender friends can provide unique insights and perspectives on another gender group, making them likely to shape gender role attitudes. However, empirical explorations of the link between gender role attitudes and cross-gender friendships have been rare. Furthermore, the few studies conducted have yielded ambiguous results and have struggled to separate the influence of cross-gender friends from a selection of such friendships based on gender role attitudes. This study addresses these limitations by using longitudinal social network models to assess the co-evolution of friendship networks and gender role attitudes among 3,194 youth (Mage = 15.2, SD = 0.67, 51% female) in German schools. The findings reveal that, after accounting for selection processes, boys with cross-gender friends develop more egalitarian gender role attitudes, while girls’ attitudes are unaffected by cross-gender friendships. These findings suggest that promoting cross-gender friendships among adolescent boys holds the potential to foster egalitarian gender role attitudes.

Peers and value preferences among adolescents in school classes: a social network and longitudinal approach

The aim of our study was twofold: (1) to explore the role of value preferences on peer relations in school classes (selection effect) and (2) to explore the role of peers’ values on adolescents’ values (influence or socialization effect) in three types of networks (friendship, advice, and trust). To answer these questions, we used a longitudinal social network approach in a study of N = 903 adolescents (57% girls) from 34 secondary school classes in Poland. Pupils began participating in the study when they joined their secondary school and were followed over two and a half years. Panel data were collected at six measurement time points during this period. Values were conceptualized according to the values theory proposed by Schwartz and measured by the Portrait Value Questionnaire. The collection of network data followed a roster design. Pupils were asked to evaluate the strength of their friendships, as well as the frequency with which they approached peers to ask for advice about school or homework or to talk about things that are important to them in the last 2 weeks. We found empirical support for both selection and socialization effects, especially for protection values (Conservation and Self-enhancement). The selection effect was most evident in advice and trust networks and the socialization effect was particularly prevalent in friendship and trust networks.

Study of flood protection water levels for railway projects in the plains river network area

The Taihu Lake basin is characterised by a developed water system and a longitudinal river network, which is prone to flooding during the flood season. This poses a threat to the construction and operation of river-related railways, bridges, and other infrastructures, and therefore the design value of the water level of the river channel must be provided prior to the construction of roads and bridges in the basin. The Yanyi Railway traverses numerous river systems without the benefit of measured hydrological data. In order to address this deficiency, two methods were constructed using the Taihu Lake basin model: the historical water level frequency analysis method and the typical design storm method of the basin. These methods were employed to calculate the flood protection water level of each river under different design schemes and to analyze the reasons for the differences in the results. The results indicate that the water level results of the historical water level frequency analysis method are also applicable to the construction of the Yanyi Railway, provided that an economic perspective is taken.

The associations between interparental conflict and adolescent adjustment: a cross-lagged panel network analysis.

Extensively studied in interparental relationship literature suggests interparental conflict is a risk factor for adolescent adjustment, but the specific, dimension level relationships between interparental conflict and adolescent adjustment remain unclear. This study explored the interactions between the various dimensions of interparental conflict and adolescent adjustment in Chinese adolescents. A total of 1870 Chinese adolescents (42.27% males; Mage = 16.18, SD = 0.43, range = 15-18) completed a survey at two time points spaced three months apart. Data was analyzed using both cross-sectional and longitudinal network analysis. The cross-sectional network analysis found that resolution has the greatest connections with the dimensions of adolescent adjustment, suggesting that adolescents reporting high resolution are more prone to experience concurrent poor adjustment and therefore should be a primary focus of attention. The longitudinal network analysis revealed that, in general, previous hyperactivity-inattention is a significant and strong predictor of future interparental conflict, underscoring a child-driven effect. Meanwhile, prosocial behavior contributes to decreases in both interparental conflict and adjustment problems over time. These findings highlight the importance of addressing hyperactivity-inattention and cultivating prosocial behavior in adolescents as key intervention points-these can help resolve conflicts between parents and reduce adjustment problems for adolescents.

In-party love spreads more efficiently than out-party hate in online communities

In this article, we present the findings of a comprehensive longitudinal social network analysis conducted on Twitter across four consecutive election campaigns in Spain, spanning from 2015 to 2019. Our focus is on the discernible trend of increasing partisan and ideological homogeneity within interpersonal exchanges on this social media platform, alongside high levels of networking efficiency measured through average retweeting. This diachronic study allows us to observe how dynamics of party competition might contribute to perpetuating and strengthening network ideological and partisan homophily, creating ‘epistemic bubbles’ in Twitter, yet showing a greater resistance to transforming them into ‘partisan echo-chambers.’ Specifically, our analysis reveals that the rise of a new radical right-wing party (RRP), Vox, has heightened ideological homogeneity among users across the entire ideological spectrum. However, this process has not been uniform. While users aligned with mainstream political parties consistently share content that reinforces in-party affinity, resulting in highly efficient ‘epistemic bubbles,’ the emergence of the RRP has given rise to a distinct group of users associated with the most extreme partisan positions, characterized by a notable proportion of out-partisan hostility content, which has fostered the creation of low-efficient 'partisan echo-chambers.'

Do Adolescents Adopt the Prosocial Behaviors of the Classmates They Like? A Social Network Analysis on Prosocial Contagion.

While the influence of high-status peers on maladaptive behaviors is well-documented, socialization processes of prosocial behavior through high-status peers remain understudied. This study examined whether adolescents' prosocial behavior was influenced by the prosocial behavior of the peers they liked and whether this effect was stronger when the peers they liked were also well-liked by their classmates. Three waves of data, six months apart, were collected among Chilean early adolescents who completed peer nominations and ratings at Time 1 (n = 294, Mage = 13.29, SD = 0.62; 55.1% male), Time 2 (n = 282), and Time 3 (n = 275). Longitudinal social network analyses showed that adolescents adopted the prosocial behavior of the classmates they liked - especially if these classmates were well-liked by peers in general. In addition, adolescents low in likeability were more susceptible to this influence than adolescents high in likeability. The influence resulted both in increases and - especially - decreases in prosocial behavior, depending on the level of prosociality of the liked peer. Findings suggest that likeability represents an important aspect of peer status that may be crucial for understanding the significance of peer influence with respect to prosocial behaviors during adolescence. Pre-Registration: https://osf.io/u4pxm .

Categorical closure: Transitivity and identities in longitudinal networks

This research examines whether categorical closure – an increased tendency for closure in homogeneous triads – matters for tie formation and tie persistence. We utilized 2019–2020 panel data on students’ networks at three law schools and employed separable temporal exponential random graph models to examine whether closed triads with shared identities were more likely to form and to persist over time. We also investigated whether closed triads based on shared organizational assignments were associated with lower likelihoods of tie formation and tie persistence over time. Results supported the notion that law students were more likely to form homogeneous closed triads based on shared categories, particularly family background, gender, and race, while closed triads based on organizational assignments were less likely. Closed triads tended to persist over time, but there was some support for the notion that homogeneous closed triads based on family background, college rank, and sexuality were more durable. This study highlights categorical closure as an additional network mechanism giving rise to homogenous groups.

Association of COVID-19 vaccination and anxiety symptoms: A Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) Cohort longitudinal study

ObjectiveSymptoms of anxiety increased early in the COVID-19 pandemic among people with systemic sclerosis (SSc) then returned to pre-pandemic levels, but this was an aggregate finding and did not evaluate whether vaccination may have contributed to reduced anxiety symptom levels. We investigated whether being vaccinated for COVID-19 was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms among people with SSc. MethodsThe longitudinal Scleroderma Patient-centered Intervention Network (SPIN) COVID-19 Cohort was launched in April 2020 and included participants from the ongoing SPIN Cohort and external enrollees. Participants completed measures bi-weekly through July 2020, then every 4 weeks afterwards through August 2022 (32 assessments). We used linear mixed models to evaluate longitudinal trends of PROMIS Anxiety 4a v1.0 anxiety domain scores and their association with vaccination. ResultsAmong 517 participants included in analyses, 489 (95%) were vaccinated by September 2021, and no participants were vaccinated subsequently. Except for briefly at the beginning, when few had received a vaccine, and end, when only 28 participants remained unvaccinated, anxiety symptom trajectories were largely overlapping. Participants who were never vaccinated had higher anxiety symptoms by August 2022, but there were no other differences, and receiving a vaccination did not appear to change anxiety symptom trajectories meaningfully. ConclusionVaccination did not appear to influence changes in anxiety symptoms among vulnerable people with SSc during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be due to people restricting their behavior when they were unvaccinated and returning to more normal social engagement once vaccinated to maintain a steady level of anxiety symptoms.

Coevolution of relationship networks and resistance behaviors for building information modeling implementation in construction projects

Heterogeneous individual participants are embedded within multiple dynamic intra-project relationship networks, which can both shape and be shaped by individual behaviors through social influence and selection processes, respectively. Yet empirical research on these complex interrelationships within projects remains lacking. This study fills this lacuna by investigating how formal task-oriented communication and informal knowledge-oriented advice networks coevolve with individual resistance behaviors for building information modeling (BIM) implementation in construction projects through social selection and influence processes. Stochastic actor-oriented network models and longitudinal data on project-level BIM implementation practices are used to examine this question. After controlling for related covariate and structural effects, the results provide clear evidence for the social selection process in which communication and advice ties in the networks are both more frequently formed between project participants with more similar resistance behaviors. Concerning the social influence process, the results show that compared with knowledge-oriented advice ties, task-oriented communication ties tend to more significantly influence the assimilation of resistance behaviors. The network-behavior coevolution process is simultaneously associated with the covariate effects related to individual experience as well as the structural effects related to reciprocity and triadic closure. As a pioneering effort of using longitudinal network modeling methods to empirically characterize network-behavior dynamics in projects, this study provides a deepened understanding of how social selection and influence processes collectively shape the dynamic interactions among heterogeneous project participants as a complex adaptive system.

How parental phubbing decreases adolescent core self-evaluation through basic psychological need satisfaction: Evidence from longitudinal mediation analysis and longitudinal network analysis

Parental phubbing refers to the phenomenon where parents ignore their children due to mobile phone use during parent-child interactions. This study examined the longitudinal mediating role of basic psychological need satisfaction in the relations between parental phubbing and adolescents’ core self-evaluation. We recruited 629 adolescents ( Mage = 15.20 years, SDage = 1.62 years) to participate in our longitudinal survey. Longitudinal mediation analyses revealed that parental phubbing negatively predicted adolescents' core self-evaluation by diminishing their basic psychological need satisfaction. Additionally, longitudinal network analyses identified two significant parental phubbing behaviors that impact adolescents' core self-evaluation: parents keeping mobile phones in hand during interactions with their adolescents and checking mobile phone information during mealtime. Our work provides a novel understanding on how parental phubbing decreases adolescent core self-evaluation.

The cross-sectional and longitudinal interconnectedness of physical, psychological and role functioning following physical trauma: A network analysis

ObjectiveSurviving physical trauma can have a large impact on one's daily life. Patients are at increased risk for poor physical health, psychological complaints, and problems in role functioning – which is often experienced simultaneously. The present study explores the interconnectedness of physical, psychological, and role functioning during the first two years post-injury, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally from a network perspective. Methods3785 trauma patients (Mage = 64.2 years, SDage = 18.9 years, 50.5% female) completed questionnaires on physical, psychological, and role functioning across six measurement occasions during the first two years post-injury. The Injury Severity Score (ISS) was retrieved from the local trauma registry. Mixed graphical network models and cross-lagged network models were estimated to examine which items of recovery played a central role and were mostly related to other items in cross-sectional and longitudinal networks respectively. ResultsThe cross-sectional networks showed especially strong interconnections between impairments of physical and role functioning and also within post-traumatic stress symptoms. The longitudinal networks extended these results by showing that pain, impaired mobility, limitations in self-care, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and several post-traumatic stress symptoms were strong predictors for impairments in functioning at later stages of recovery. ConclusionOur findings showed that impairments in physical, psychological, and role functioning experienced by trauma patients are largely intertwined across the two years following injury. Monitoring physical impairments and psychological complaints early in recovery might help to more promptly provide the best fitting aftercare for trauma patients, which can improve recovery on the long-term.

Pixels and perception: Mapping the association between digital media and psychotic-like experiences in adolescents

IntroductionPsychotic-like experiences (PLEs) during adolescence can lead to psychotic disorders. Digital media usage has been suggested to link to PLEs, but research is limited on how different types of screen exposure may differentially relate to PLEs over time. This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between screen usage patterns and PLEs in adolescents. MethodsParticipants comprised 11,876 adolescents assessed annually from ages 9–12 years as part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (ABCD). Screen usage (TV, video games, online video, social media, texting, video chat) and PLEs were assessed via self-report. Longitudinal network analysis models were estimated to examine connections between screen usage types and PLEs across three time points. ResultsTwo clusters were formed, including digital media for socializing (e.g., social media/texting/video chat) and digital media for entertainment (e.g., online video/video games/TV). Texting and online video(s) had the highest centrality at each time point, suggesting importance in the network. PLE symptoms of hallucinations and concentration difficulties exhibited higher centrality than other symptoms. Online video and TV were influential bridges between screen usage and PLEs. Network structure significantly differed between ages 9–10 and 10–12 years, but global strength was unchanged over time. DiscussionResults highlight the importance of understanding the associations between specific screen usage types and PLE symptoms. Texting and online video usage appear most influential in the development of adolescent PLEs over time. Findings can inform targeted interventions to promote healthy screen habits and reduce PLEs in at-risk youth.

The structure and dynamics of client session reactions: An exploratory longitudinal network analysis.

The structure and dynamics of client session reactions: An exploratory longitudinal network analysis.

Formation mechanisms of intra-organizational membership overlap: a longitudinal network analysis of membership data from the International Communication Association

Abstract Social entities are linked and interdependent through shared members, a phenomenon described as niche overlap. Using archival data on yearly affiliations of International Communication Association (ICA) members with divisions and interest groups over a 9-year period, this study conducts a longitudinal network analysis to examine the formation mechanisms of intra-organizational niche overlap among organizational subunits. The results of the temporal exponential random graph model suggest the absence of dominant ICA subunits whose topic areas are broad enough to integrate different specializations through membership overlap. Triadic closure facilitates the sharing of members among three subunits, leading to a cohesive internal structure and limited brokerage opportunities. Subunits with smaller membership sizes are more likely to have membership overlap, particularly with larger subunits. Positive affinity relations between subunits, characterized by the sharing of scarce resources within the organization, contribute to the formation of membership overlap.

Direct measurement on stretched wire to constrain the longitudinal network in CSNS

The elongated and non-closed structure of the longitudinal control network can lead to the accumulation of measurement errors from station to station, causing distortion and preventing the attainment of high-precision longitudinal control network coordinates. This fails to meet the high-precision alignment requirements of the accelerator components. In this study, the absolute scanner AS1 and Leica AT960 laser tracker were used to directly measure the 180-m long stretched wire in the CSNS LINAC tunnel and obtain its three-dimensional coordinates. The obtained data was used to constrain the transverse of the longitudinal control network, effectively improving its accuracy. The Helmert variance component estimation method was incorporated into the data adjustment algorithm, which reasonably allocated weights between horizontal distance, azimuth angle and offset. As a result, the transverse accuracy of the control network improved from 0.151 mm without wire constraint to 0.086 mm with wire constraint. In the future, we plan to apply this method to connect the control network on both sides of the lengthy sight-hole in CSNS-II.