Multiple-group Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Do Optimism and Pessimism Mediate the Relationship Between Religious Coping and Existential Well-Being? Examining Mechanisms in a Norwegian Population Sample

In the secular context of Norway, we investigated the mediating roles of both optimism and pessimism in the relationship between six dimensions of religious coping as measured by the Religious Coping Activities Scale (RCOPE) and existential well-being (EWB). The moderating effect of long-standing health problems on these relationships was also examined. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 among Norwegians 18 to 75 years of age. Results from structural equation models showed different mechanisms for optimism and pessimism: When optimism was tested as a mediator, the RCOPE factors of spiritually based coping, support, avoidance, and deeds had a direct effect on EWB. Contrary to this, when pessimism was tested as a mediator, the RCOPE factors of spiritually based coping, support, avoidance, and discontent had an indirect effect on well-being through pessimism. The results from our multiple-group structural equation models generally supported our expectations that the relationships between religious coping, optimism, pessimism, and well-being were stronger for those with health problems compared to those without health problems. This study shows that a relationship between religious coping and well-being may be evident even if the context is highly secular, and it adds to the literature an understanding of the separate roles of optimism and pessimism to this relationship.

Perceived discrimination, depressive symptoms, and substance use in young adulthood

Perceived discrimination is an important health-related stressor. As suggested by the stress-coping model, substance use often serves as a means to reduce the negative effects of perceived discrimination. This study uses data from the National Survey of American Life—Adults to examine the structural relationship of perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms with lifetime and recent substance use among African American and African Caribbean young adults. Respondents (N=1910) were 18–35years old. Compared with African Caribbeans, African Americans report significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and both lifetime and recent substance use. Multiple-group structural equation modeling is used to evaluate model fit and test hypothesized models. Results show good fit of the hypothesized models in both African Americans and African Caribbeans. Full measurement and structural invariance is found across ethnicity. Mediation models explain 18.5% and 47.4% of the variance in lifetime substance use for African Americans and African Caribbeans, respectively, and 23.5% and 35.0% of the variance in recent substance use for African Americans and African Caribbeans, respectively. Mediation tests indicate depressive symptoms partially mediate the relationship between perceived discrimination and lifetime substance use and fully mediated this relationship for recent substance use. This study is the first to demonstrate a positive association between perceived racial discrimination and substance use among African Caribbean young adults. Study findings illuminate the influence of perceived discrimination on substance use and the mechanisms of this relationship among African American and African Caribbean young adults.

Consumers' value perceptions of e-customization – a model incorporating information framing and product type

Purpose – Despite significant business spending in areas such as personalization tools and add-on options representing levels of product attributes, most marketers do not know the amount of value that is directly attributable to their e-customization strategies. This study aims to offer an in-depth investigation of consumers' value perceptions of e-customization and their relationship with perceived sufficiency of information and cognitive cost. The context effects on value perception in e-customization are studied together with antecedent constructs. Design/methodology/approach – The research consists of a 2×2 between-subjects factorial design. The full model is tested using multiple-group structural equation modeling analysis to verify the significance of the inter-relationships between constructs, as well as the main and the interaction effects of two experimental factors (product information framing and product type). Findings – The experimental results showed that perceived e-customization value does not simply stem from the ability to “narrow-cast” content more specifically related to a shopper's interests (i.e. anticipated fulfillment value). Rather, this value also stems from the dynamic flexibility of the information system and its ability to entertain and educate during the information dissemination process (i.e. process value and knowledge value). Furthermore, when the customization framing features are better matched with product type characteristics, e-customization seemed to increase value in ways that are difficult to achieve in conventional shopping environments. Originality/value – By testing the proposed structural model simultaneously with two experimental factors of product type and information framing, this work is the first to address the question of context effects on value creation in an area of increasing substantive importance.

Differential effects of the KiVa anti-bullying program on popular and unpopular bullies

This study utilized data from the evaluation of the Finnish KiVa program in testing the prediction that school bullies' high perceived popularity would impede the success of anti-bullying interventions. Multiple-group structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted on a subsample of 911 third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders identified as perpetrators of bullying. They belonged to 77 Finnish schools, including 39 schools implementing the KiVa program and 38 control schools. Data on peer-reported bullying and perceived popularity were collected before program implementation and one year later. Controlling for sex, age, and initial levels of bullying, KiVa participation resulted in lower rates of bullying (indicated by fewer peer nominations) after one year for bullies of low and medium popularity. However, there was no significant effect for those high in popularity, suggesting that popular bullies are less responsive to anti-bullying interventions than less popular bullies.

Forming a clearer image of the ideal L2 self: the L2 Motivational Self System and learner autonomy in a Japanese EFL context

Research on the L2 Motivational Self System has drawn considerable attention in Second Language Acquisition. Previous studies have discussed the system itself, its basic concepts and their relationships to such affective variables as anxiety in various L2 learning contexts. The findings of these studies suggest that (1) having a clearer image of one's ideal L2 self might facilitate motivated L2 learning behaviour, (2) affective variables can promote or hinder learners' will to envision their ideal L2 selves, and (3) the system has both theoretical and pedagogical implications for L2 learner autonomy. The present survey study aimed to validate the system among Japanese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in two groups, whose learning contexts made it respectively easier and harder to formulate a clear image of an ideal L2 self. Survey data were analysed using multiple-group structural equation modelling. Results showed that the proposed model fitted both groups, but the relationships among variables in the model were different according to the group. The study also illustrated the dynamic interplay of affective variables (e.g. anxiety, self-efficacy) and the basic tenets of the system thereby providing us with useful insights into L2 learner autonomy.

Why Students Choose STEM Majors

This study draws upon social cognitive career theory and higher education literature to test a conceptual framework for understanding the entrance into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors by recent high school graduates attending 4-year institutions. Results suggest that choosing a STEM major is directly influenced by intent to major in STEM, high school math achievement, and initial postsecondary experiences, such as academic interaction and financial aid receipt. Exerting the largest impact on STEM entrance, intent to major in STEM is directly affected by 12th-grade math achievement, exposure to math and science courses, and math self-efficacy beliefs—all three subject to the influence of early achievement in and attitudes toward math. Multiple-group structural equation modeling analyses indicated heterogeneous effects of math achievement and exposure to math and science across racial groups, with their positive impact on STEM intent accruing most to White students and least to underrepresented minority students.

Mediating effects of bullying involvement on the relationship of body mass index with social phobia, depression, suicidality, and self-esteem and sex differences in adolescents in Taiwan

The aims of this study were to examine the mediating effect of bullying involvement on the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and mental health problems, including social phobia, depression, suicidality, and low self-esteem among adolescents in Taiwan. The moderation effect of sex on the mediating role of bullying involvement was also examined. Five thousand two hundred and fifty-two students of high schools completed the questionnaires. Victimization and perpetration of passive and active bullying were assessed using the Chinese version of the School Bullying Experience Questionnaire. BMI was calculated from self-reported weight and height measurements. The Social Phobia Inventory, the Mandarin Chinese version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, the suicidality-related questionnaire from the epidemiological version of the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were applied to assess social phobia, depression, suicidality, and low self-esteem, respectively. The mediating effect of bullying involvement on the associations between increased BMI and mental health problems was examined by the Sobel test. The moderation effect of sex on the mediating role of bullying involvement was tested by the multiple-group structural equation model. Victimization of passive and active bullying and perpetration of passive bullying, but not perpetration of active bullying, had a mediating effect on the relationships between increased BMI and all four mental health problems. Sex did not have a significant moderation effect on the mediating role of bullying involvement. Bullying involvement should be a target of prevention and intervention in developing a strategy to improve mental health among adolescents with increased BMI.

Ethnic Identity and Mental Health in American Indian Youth: Examining Mediation Pathways Through Self-esteem, and Future Optimism

Mental health functioning in American Indian youth is an understudied topic. Given the increased rates of depression and anxiety in this population, further research is needed. Using multiple group structural equation modeling, the current study illuminates the effect of ethnic identity on anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and externalizing behavior in a group of Lumbee adolescents and a group of Caucasian, African American, and Latino/Hispanic adolescents. This study examined two possible pathways (i.e., future optimism and self-esteem) through which ethnic identity is associated with adolescent mental health. The sample (N = 4,714) is 28.53% American Indian (Lumbee) and 51.38% female. The study findings indicate that self-esteem significantly mediated the relationships between ethnic identity and anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and externalizing behavior for all racial/ethnic groups (i.e., the total sample). Future optimism significantly mediated the relationship between ethnic identity and externalizing behavior for all racial/ethnic groups and was a significant mediator between ethnic identity and depressive symptoms for American Indian youth only. Fostering ethnic identity in all youth serves to enhance mental health functioning, but is especially important for American Indian youth due to the collective nature of their culture.

Peers' Perceptions of Gender Nonconformity: Associations with Overt and Relational Peer Victimization and Aggression in Early Adolescence.

The current study used reports from 318 early adolescents to examine the associations of peer-reported gender nonconformity with peer- and self-reported overt and relational victimization and aggression and possible sex differences in these associations. Multiple-group structural equation modeling revealed that higher levels of peer-reported gender nonconformity were associated with higher self- and peer-reports of overt and relational victimization and aggression among males and females. The association between peer-reported gender nonconformity and peer-reported overt aggression was moderated by participant sex, such that the association was stronger for females compared to males. Results suggest that perceived gender nonconformity is associated with problematic peer relations, especially among females, in early adolescence and implications of these associations are discussed.

The prediction of reading comprehension by cognitive and motivational factors: Does text accessibility during comprehension testing make a difference?

This study examined the unique contributions of various predictors to reading comprehension measured either without or with access to the text during testing. Reasoning ability, prior knowledge, and decoding skills were assumed to have stronger contributions to comprehension without text access than with text access, whereas current motivation should be more strongly associated with comprehension measured with access to the text. Metacognitive strategy knowledge and test anxiety were expected to be equally associated with comprehension in the two test conditions. Participants were 424 eighth- and ninth-grade students. They were presented with several instruments measuring cognitive and motivational predictors and read a text on a mathematical topic; then half of them took a test on comprehension either without or with text access. Based on multiple-group structural equation modeling, results indicated that reasoning ability, decoding ability, and metacognitive strategy knowledge significantly predicted comprehension only in the without-text condition, whereas achievement motivation and test anxiety significantly predicted comprehension only in the with-text condition. The unique contributions of intrinsic motivation to comprehension were significant, but did unexpectedly not differ between the without-text and the with-text condition.

Modeling writing development: Contribution of transcription and self-regulation to Portuguese students' text generation quality.

Writing is a complex activity that requires transcription and self-regulation. We used multiple-group structural equation modeling to test the contribution of transcription (handwriting and spelling), planning, revision, and self-efficacy to writing quality at 2 developmental points (Grades 4–6 vs. 7–9). In Grades 4–6, the model explained 76% of the variance in writing quality, and transcription contributed directly to text generation. This finding suggests that, for younger students, handwriting and spelling were the strongest constraints to text generation. In Grades 7–9, the model explained 82% of the variance in writing quality. Although transcription did not contribute directly to text generation, it contributed indirectly through planning and self-efficacy. The progressive automatization of transcription throughout school years may contribute to the acquisition and development of self-regulatory skills, which, in turn, positively influence the quality of text generation. Explicit instruction and practice in handwriting, spelling, planning, and revising along with nurturing of realistic self-efficacy beliefs may facilitate writing development beyond primary years of schooling.

Where are you from? A validation of the Foreigner Objectification Scale and the psychological correlates of foreigner objectification among Asian Americans and Latinos.

Many ethnic minorities in the United States consider themselves to be just as American as their European American counterparts. However, there is a persistent cultural stereotype of ethnic minorities as foreigners (i.e., the perpetual foreigner stereotype) that may be expressed during interpersonal interactions (i.e., foreigner objectification). The goal of the present study was to validate the Foreigner Objectification Scale, a brief self-report measure of perceived foreigner objectification, and to examine the psychological correlates of perceived foreigner objectification. Results indicated that the Foreigner Objectification Scale is structurally (i.e., factor structure) and metrically (i.e., factor loadings) invariant across foreign-born and U.S.-born Asian Americans and Latinos. Scalar (i.e., latent item intercepts) invariance was demonstrated for the two foreign-born groups and the two U.S.-born groups, but not across foreign-born and U.S.-born individuals. Multiple-group structural equation models indicated that, among U.S.-born individuals, perceived foreigner objectification was associated with less life satisfaction and more depressive symptoms, and was indirectly associated with lower self-esteem via identity denial, operationalized as the perception that one is not viewed by others as American. Among foreign-born individuals, perceived foreigner objectification was not significantly associated directly with self-esteem, life satisfaction, or depressive symptoms. However, perceived foreigner objectification was positively associated with identity denial, and identity denial was negatively associated with life satisfaction. This study illustrates the relevance of perceived foreigner objectification to the psychological well-being of U.S.-born Asian Americans and Latinos.

Patient-health care provider communication among patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: Findings from a population-based survey

ObjectiveTo examine the multidimensional concept of patient-health care provider (HCP) communication, its effects on patient satisfaction with oncology care services, and related racial differences. MethodsThe current analysis draws from a population-based survey sample of 1011 African American and 1034 Caucasian American men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer. The variables of satisfaction with health care services, interpersonal treatment, contextual knowledge of the patient, and prostate cancer communication were analyzed using multiple-group structural equation modeling. ResultsRegardless of race, patient-HCP communication was related positively to interpersonal treatment by the HCP, HCP's contextual knowledge of the patient, and prostate cancer communication. More positive patient-HCP communication was related to more satisfaction with health care services. Racial differences were significant in the relationships between patient-HCP communication and prostate cancer communication. ConclusionContent and interpersonal relationships are important aspects of patient-HCP communication and affect patient satisfaction with oncologic care for prostate cancer. Practice implicationsHCPs need to integrate the transfer of information with emotional support and interpersonal connection when they communicate with men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer.

Ethnicity and Gender Comparisons of Health Consequences in Adults with Alcohol Dependence

The moderating effects of ethnicity and gender on factors associated with physical health consequences in adults manifesting alcohol dependence were examined using data from the 2001–2002 US National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Black and white respondents with a lifetime diagnosis of DSM-IV alcohol dependence were selected for the study (n = 3,852). A multiple-group structural equation model tested ethnicity, gender, and intervening variables as predictors of physical health status in alcohol-dependent men and women. Study findings offer implications for clinical practice with alcohol-dependent individuals by identifying likely target groups and problems for intervention.

Development of a Causal Relationship Model of Undergraduates' Sense of Coherence in Thailand: An Application of the Multiple Group Structural Equation Model

The objectives of this research were to study causal relationship, develop and validate consistency with empirical data the causal relationship model of sense of coherence of undergraduate and to test the model invariance between 2 samples: an application of the multiple group structural equation model. The model consisted of 7 latent variables; sense of coherence, social support, democratic child rearing, laissez-faire child rearing, goal setting of life, anxiety, and self-esteem; and 24 observed variables measuring those 7 latent variables. The samples consisted of 540 first year undergraduate students; 270 from state university in Thailand and 270 from private university in Thailand. The research instrument was a five rating scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed by linear structural equation model analysis, and multiple group structural equation model analysis. The result indicated that the adjusted model was consistent with empirical data. Model validation of a good fitted model provided χ2 = 25.869, df = 81, p = 1.000, χ2/df = 0.319, GFI = 0.996, AGFI = 0.986, RMR = 0.006, LSR = 1.635. The variables in the model accounted for 89.70 percent of the total variance of sense of coherence. The variable that had most significant effect on sense of coherence was self-esteem, democratic child rearing and anxiety, respectively. The causal relationship model of sense of coherence of undergraduate students indicated invariance of model form but the parameters were variance.

Parent and peer predictors of violent behavior of Black and White teens.

This study examines the role that parenting and deviant peers play on frequency of self-reported violent behavior in the 10th grade while testing race differences in mean levels and impact of these risk and protective factors. The level and impact of family and peer factors on violent behavior across race are modeled prospectively from 8th to 10th grade in a sample of 331 (Black [n = 163], White [n = 168]) families from Seattle, Washington, using data from self-administered computer-assisted questionnaires. Mean-level differences indicated greater levels of violent behavior and risk for Black teens in some cases and higher protection in others. Multiple-group structural equation modeling indicated no race differences in predictors of teen violence. Income was also predictive of violent behavior, but analyses including both income and race indicated their relationships to violence overlapped so neither was uniquely predictive. Subsequent logistic regressions revealed that both race and income differences in violent behavior were mediated by association with friends who get in serious trouble at school. We conclude that higher rates of self-reported violent behavior by Blacks compared to Whites are attributable to lower family income and higher rates of associating with deviant peers at school.

Sport type and interpersonal and intrapersonal predictors of body dissatisfaction in high school female sport participants

Through multiple group structural equation modeling analyses, path models were used to test the predictive effects of sport type and both interpersonal (i.e., mothers’ body dissatisfaction, family dynamics) and intrapersonal factors (i.e., athletic self-efficacy, body mass index [BMI]) on high school female sport participants’ (N=627) body dissatisfaction. Sport types were classified as esthetic/lean (i.e., gymnastics), non-esthetic/lean (i.e., cross-country), or non-esthetic/non-lean (i.e., softball). Most participants reported low body dissatisfaction, and body dissatisfaction did not differ across sport types. Nevertheless, mothers’ body dissatisfaction was positively associated with daughters’ body dissatisfaction for non-esthetic/lean and non-esthetic/non-lean sport participants, and high family cohesion was predictive of body dissatisfaction among non-esthetic/lean sport participants. Across sport types, higher BMI was associated with greater body dissatisfaction, whereas greater athletic self-efficacy was associated with lower body dissatisfaction. These findings highlight the complex relationship between interpersonal and intrapersonal factors and body dissatisfaction in adolescent female sport participants.

La necesidad de aceptación por los iguales como motivo subyacente del comportamiento agresivo y el acoso a los demás entre los jóvenes inmigrantes que viven en Austria y Noruega

This study (1) compared the overall levels of aggressive behaviour and bullying others and (2) investigated the predictive power of two underlying motives – reactive aggression and the need for peer acceptance and affiliation – between non-immigrant and immigrant youth living in two European countries. In Austria, data on aggressive behaviour was available for analyses, while in Norway bullying others, a subcategory of aggressive behaviour was investigated. The sample comprised 302 non-immigrant Norwegians (48.7% girls), 161 first generation immigrant adolescents living in Norway (51.6% girls), 339 non-immigrant Austrians (51.6% girls), and 126 first generation immigrants (48.4% girls) living in Austria aged 14 to 16 years. Immigrant status was associated with higher levels of bullying others in Norway. In Austria, no differences regarding aggressive behaviour were found. In both countries, multiple group structural equation models revealed that the need for peer acceptance and affiliation – but not reactive aggression - was a predictor of bullying others and aggressive behaviour among immigrants, but not among non-immigrants. Results are discussed regarding the process of acculturation among immigrant youth living in two European countries.

The effects of domestic violence on children's behavior problems: Assessing the moderating roles of poverty and marital status

Abstract Using four waves across 5 years of a recent longitudinal dataset, this study examined whether the effects of domestic violence at Year 1 on children's behavior problems at Year 5 differed by poverty and marital status. Findings from multiple-group structural equation modeling revealed that children in poor families were less affected by domestic violence than those in non-poor families, for both externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. Children in unmarried-mother families were more affected by domestic violence for externalizing behavior problems, whereas they were less affected for internalizing behavior problems, compared to children in married-mother families. Findings from this study highlight that the effects of domestic violence on the behavior problems of children vary by socioeconomic categories, such as poverty and marital status, and, therefore, that children's and their mothers' needs in violent families may vary widely as well.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Switching Intention Antecedents in the Wireless Industry

This study attempts to identify factors that influence the mobile consumer’s switching intention and to compare the influence of these factors in both the Brazilian and German wireless markets, the latter having a longer mature-stage history. A survey was conducted on two convenience samples, comprising 202 users in Brazil and 200 users in Germany. Analysis via multiple-group structural equation modeling suggests that, in both countries, customer satisfaction is an important factor with respect to switching intention. In the Brazilian market, the influence of perceived service quality is higher than in Germany, while Germans consider perceived price to be more important than do Brazilian users. The results also suggest that perceived service quality and perceived price rank higher in the German market, while Brazilians still perceive the existence of high switching barriers.