Path Analysis Model Research Articles

Approaches for Analyzing the Relationship Between Spirituality and Health Using Measures Contaminated with Indicators of MentalandSocial Health.

There has been concern raised in religion/spirituality (R/S) research about the use of measures of spirituality that are contaminated by indicators of mental and/or social health. Many of these scales are used widely in published studies examining associations with health, and yet many researchers andreviewers are not aware of contamination issues. We have previously cautioned researchers to be careful in their choice of religious/spirituality (R/S) measures (Koenig and Carey in J Relig Health, 63(5):3729-3743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02112-6 , 2024), and to avoid using measures contaminated with the health outcome being assessed, which will result in tautological findings (particularly between spirituality and mental health). However, not all is lost. There are approaches for analyzing collected data using contaminated measures that can still result in meaningful and interpretable results, which may contribute to our knowledge of the impact of R/S on health. In this brief article, we describe several approaches for analyzing such data including deleting contaminated items from the scale, analyzing subscales separately, and modeling psychosocial scales, subscales, or collections of variables as mediators in the causal pathway that leads from R/S to health. The use of path analysis or structural equation modeling to identify direct effects and indirect effects through mediating constructs mayalso be helpful in this regard.

Complex and Bidirectional Interplay Between Marital Quality, Catastrophizing, Psychological Dysfunction, and Quality of Life in Married Malay Women With Disorder of Gut-Brain Interactions.

Disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI) affect more women, and marital quality may have been a factor that explains clinical manifestations of DGBI-however, the mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to elucidate supported relationships between DGBI with marital quality and clinical attributes in married Malay women. This cross-sectional study involved married Malay women with functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and FD-IBS overlap per Rome IV criteria. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Pearson correlation analysis were performed to determine the association between DGBI, marital quality, and clinical attributes of catastrophizing, psychological dysfunction, and quality of life. Path analysis models were developed, tested, and fitted to elucidate relationships that satisfied significance testing and fit indices (termed supported relationship). Of 1130 screened participants, 513 were analyzed. The prevalence of FD, IBS, and FD-IBS overlap was 33.9% (n = 174), 29.5% (n = 151), and 36.6% (n = 188), respectively. Of 17 variables in MANOVA, significant differences in variables were observed for FD vs. FD-IBS overlap (10), IBS versus FD (10), and IBS versus FD-IBS overlap (5). Pearson correlation matrices found significant correlations for 15 of 17 variables. After testing and fitting, the third path model (Model 3) wasdeemed the final model. Model 3 suggested that relationships between DGBI and marital and clinical attributes were complex and bidirectional. The number of supported relationships were 50, 43, and 39 for FD-IBS overlap, FD, and IBS, respectively. Relationships between DGBI, marital quality, and clinical attributes among married Malay women are complex and bidirectional.

Provided and received positive and negative social control, relationship satisfaction, and sedentary behavior in parent-child dyads.

The close relationship processes and health model and the dyadic health influence model posit that relationship beliefs (eg, relationship satisfaction) and influence strategies (eg, provision and receipt of positive and negative social control) mediate health behavior change. However, evidence for such mediation in parent-child dyads is limited. Two complementary mediation hypotheses were tested: (1) social control forms indirect relationships with sedentary behavior (SB), via relationship satisfaction acting as a mediator; and (2) relationship satisfaction forms indirect relationships with SB, with social control operating as a mediator. Data from 247 parent-child dyads (9- to 15-year-old children) were analyzed using manifest mediation models. SB was measured with GT3X-BT accelerometers at Time 1 (T1; baseline) and Time 3 (T3; 8-month follow-up). Relationship satisfaction and social control were assessed at T1 and Time 2 (T2; 2-month follow-up). Path analysis models, controlling for baseline SB, were fit. Received positive control (children, T1) was associated with higher relationship satisfaction in both children and parents (T2), which in turn were related to lower and higher parental SB at T3, respectively. Provided positive control (parents; T1) was related to higher SB (T3) in children. Relationship satisfaction among children (T1) predicted higher levels of received positive and negative control (children, T2). Provided and received positive social control may form direct and indirect associations with SB in parent-child dyads. Future research may need to consider further subtypes of positive control, which may explain the divergent effects of this form of control on SB.

Supply chain performance of Indonesian SMES: The role of digital leadership, supply chain innovation and E-HRM

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between digital leadership variables and supply chain performance, supply chain innovation and supply chain performance and the relationship between electronic human resource management (E-HRM) and supply chain performance. The research method used in this study is a quantitative survey method research design. The technique used in selecting samples in this study is simple random sampling. Data collection in this study was done online by distributing questionnaires through the Google Form platform and obtaining direct responses from respondents. The number of respondents studied was 786 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owners in Indonesia. The study uses path analysis techniques for data and hypothesis testing. Statistical testing on the path analysis model can be done using the partial least square method. The study uses a Likert scale, which is categorized into five categories: (1) strongly disagree, (2) disagree, (3) neutral, (4) agree, and (5) strongly agree. Data analysis in this study used Smart Partial Least Square (SPLS) software version 3.00. Model evaluation in testing with SPLS consists of two stages, namely, evaluation of the outer model and inner model. The evaluation of the outer model consists of factor loading tests, Average Variance Extracted, cross-loading, Cronbach's alpha, and composite reliability, while the evaluation of the inner model consists of the coefficient of determination (R2), cross-validated redundancy (Q2), Goodness of Fit (GoF), and hypothesis testing. The results of this research analysis are that digital leadership has a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance, supply chain innovation has a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance and e-HRM has a positive and significant relationship with supply chain performance. Digital Leadership involves leaders who can drive digital transformation and implement innovative strategies to leverage digital technologies. This involves the ability to understand and leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence, etc. In addition, digital leadership also involves sensitivity to change and the ability to drive innovation, collaboration, and technology adoption across SMEs.

Cross-sectional study on the impact of adverse childhood experiences on psychological distress in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Previous studies implied detrimental effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on cardiovascular disease and mental health. Still, data on the influence of ACE on psychological distress in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) are lacking. We prospectively recruited 423 patients with an ICD. To determine associations between ACE (ACE questionnaire, cut-off ≥4), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale), we conducted a binary logistic regression analysis. Regression models were adjusted for conventional risk factors of psychological distress in ICD patients. To identify indirect mediating effects of resilience (Resilience Scale) on ACE and psychological distress, we applied the PROCESS regression path analysis modeling tool. 49.1% of all patients reported at least one ACE, and 9.7% experienced even four or more ACE. A high-risk ACE profile (≥ 4) was associated with higher levels of anxiety (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.37-9.84, p=0.009), depression (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.67-9.97, p=0.002), and PTSD symptoms (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.03-5.21, p=0.041). Greater resilience partially mediated the relationship between ACE and depression (indirect effect 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-0.26) as well as anxiety (indirect effect 0.08, 95% CI 0.008-0.19). The current study suggests an association between ACE and psychological distress in patients with an ICD. However, resilience could mitigate the adverse effects of ACE. Future studies should strive to unravel the complex mechanisms of ACE and its effects on cardiovascular and mental health in ICD patients.

A chain-mediated model of the effect of physical exercise on loneliness

The physical and mental health development of college students has gradually become an important topic of social concern. The academic community focuses on different ways of physical exercise to improve the mental health of college students. On the basis of sports psychology, this paper discusses the interaction mechanism between physical activity and social support, interpersonal relationship quality and loneliness of college students, that is, physical and mental health effects of physical activities to promote the psychological level of college students. By random sampling, 784 college students were investigated and analyzed with physical exercise scale, loneliness scale, interpersonal relationship scale and social support scale, based on the general characteristics of the demographics variables, and through the analysis of multiple regression path model, this paper further explored the mechanism of the effects of physical activity, social support, loneliness and interpersonal relationship quality of college students. The results showed that physical exercise had a negative predictive effect on loneliness(β = − 0.246, p<0.01) and a positive predictive effect on interpersonal relationship quality and social support(β = 0.186, p<0.01; β = 0.156, p<0.01).In addition, social support and interpersonal relationship quality play a mediating role between physical exercise and loneliness, including three mediating paths, namely, social support and interpersonal relationship quality play an independent mediating role, the link mediating effect of social support and interpersonal relationship quality. According to the theory of psychological needs, the results show that physical exercise has an indirect effect on loneliness of college students through the chain mediating effect of interpersonal relationship quality and social support. College students can improve the level of social support and the quality of interpersonal relationships, and reduce the sense of loneliness.

DETERMINANT ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING MUSTAHIK WELFARE WITH MEDIATED BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

This study aims to analyze the impact of the application of business capital assistance, training, training, and mustahik work ethic on mustahik welfare through business development. Sampling using non probability sampling technique with purposive sampling approach. The sample of this study were 50 mustahik members of the Independent Business Community (IBC) at the Al-Falah Surabaya Social Fund foundation who met the research criteria. This study uses quantitative methods with the PLS (Partial Least Square) approach through a path analysis model. The results of this study indicate the statistical t value for the variables of training, mentoring, and Islamic work ethic, respectively 1.987, 3.341 and 4.011&gt; t table 1.960 so that it is said to have a significant influence on the welfare of mustahik through its business development. While the statistical t value of the business capital variable 0.402 &lt; t table 1.960 does not have a significant effect on the welfare of mustahik through business development. In conclusion, the variables of training, mentoring and Islamic work ethic have a significant effect on the welfare of mustahik mediated by business development. While the business capital variable has no significant effect on the welfare of mustahik mediated by business development.

Social Beliefs and Attitudes Involved in the Willingness to Intervene in Cases of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in a Spanish Sample.

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a public health and social responsibility issue affecting women worldwide. The role of society is essential to help victims to get out of the violent relationship and reduce their risk of revictimization. In this regard, the social response to IPVAW depends to some extent on public beliefs and attitudes toward IPVAW. Hence, this research explores the direct relationship between sexism and the willingness to intervene in cases of IPVAW, indirectly through acceptance of myths of IPVAW, perceived severity of IPVAW, risk assessed of victims' health and life as well as to the establishment of equal relations, attribution of the responsibility to the aggressor, and victim blaming. A Spanish sample of 487 participants was collected through incidental sampling. Participants responded to an online survey that was disseminated via email and social media. A parallel path analysis model showed that greater sexism was associated with lower willingness to intervene in cases IPVAW, via greater acceptance of the myths of IPVAW and less attribution of responsibility to the aggressor. IPVAW perceived severity, risk assessed, and victim blaming did not explain the effect of sexism on willingness to intervene. This research emphasizes the need to focus on egalitarian education that mitigates sociocultural risk factors such as patriarchal beliefs and attitudes that explain IPVAW and favors a climate of acceptance and tolerance of this problem, making it difficult for victims to break with the violent relationship.

Subjective health complaints and life satisfaction in older adults: the predictive role of geriatric depression.

Given the growing number of older adults, it is crucial to understand geriatric depression and to determine the impact of depression on well-being and health. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive effect of geriatric depression on subjective health complaints and life satisfaction in older adults. This cross-sectional study was carried out in two family health centres in a city centre in the northwest of Türkiye. The sample consisted of 257 older adults. Structural equation modelling path analysis was utilised to examine the extent to which geriatric depression predicted subjective health complaints and life satisfaction among older adults. The study found that geriatric depression was a predictor of both subjective health complaints and life satisfaction. Results showed that as geriatric depression scale score increased, subjective health complaints also increased (Std. β = 0.470, P < 0.001), while life satisfaction decreased (Std. β = -0.573, P < 0.001). Geriatric depression is a complex health issue that biopsychosocially affects older adults. The findings of this study highlight the importance of identifying, diagnosing, and treating depression in older adults.

Distal and Proximal Influences on Self-Reported Oral Pain and Self-Rated Oral Health Status in Saudi Arabia: Retrospective Study Using a 2017 Nationwide Database.

Oral health significantly influences overall well-being, health care costs, and quality of life. In Saudi Arabia, the burden of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, has increased over recent decades, driven by various lifestyle changes. To explore the associations between proximal (direct) and distal (indirect) influences that affect oral pain (OP) and self-rated oral health (SROH) status in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using an adapted conceptual framework. This retrospective cross-sectional study used data from a national health survey conducted in KSA in 2017. The sample included adults (N=29,274), adolescents (N=9910), and children (N=11,653). Sociodemographic data, health characteristics, and access to oral health services were considered distal influences, while frequency and type of dental visits, tooth brushing frequency, smoking, and consumption of sweets and soft drinks were considered proximal influences. Path analysis modeling was used to estimate the direct, indirect, and total effects of proximal and distal influences on OP and SROH status. The mean age of adult respondents was 42.2 years; adolescents, 20.4 years; and children, 10.58 years. Despite OP reports from 39% of children, 48.5% of adolescents, and 47.1% of adults, over 87% across all groups rated their oral health as good, very good, or excellent. A higher frequency of tooth brushing showed a strong inverse relationship with OP and a positive correlation with SROH (P<.001). Frequent dental visits were positively associated with OP and negatively with SROH (P<.001). Sweet consumption increased OP in adolescents (β=0.033, P=.007) and negatively affected SROH in children (β=-0.086, P<.001), adolescents (β=-0.079, P<.001), and adults (β=-0.068, P<.001). Soft drink consumption, however, was associated with lower OP in adolescents (β=-0.034, P=.005) and improved SROH in adolescents (β=0.063, P<.001) and adults (β=0.068, P<.001). Smoking increased OP in adults (β=0.030, P<.001). Distal influences like higher education were directly linked to better SROH (β=0.046, P=.003) and less OP (indirectly through tooth brushing, β=-0.004, P<.001). For children, high household income correlated with less OP (β=-0.030, P=.02), but indirectly increased OP through other pathways (β=0.024, P=.003). Lack of access was associated with negative oral health measures (P<.001). Among the KSA population, OP and SROH were directly influenced by many proximal and distal influences that had direct, indirect, or combined influences on OP and SROH status.

Microbial functional genes play crucial roles in enhancing soil nutrient availability of halophyte rhizospheres in salinized grasslands.

Land degradation due to salinization threatens ecosystem health. Phytoremediation, facilitated by functional microorganisms, has gained attention for improving saline-alkali soils. However, the relationship between the functional potential of rhizosphere microbes involved in multi-element cycling and soil nutrient pools remain unclear. This study focused on the changes in functional genes related to carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycling in the rhizospheres of various halophytes and bulk soil in the grassland ecosystem of Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai Province, China. Our evaluation of plant and soil characteristics revealed that halophyte growth increased soil hydrolase activity and nutrient levels, particularly available N. Significant differences were observed in foliage and root nutrients, rhizosphere soil properties, and microbial functional gene composition among plant species. Halophytes significantly altered the abundance of genes involved in C fixation (Calvin and DC/4-HB cycles), C degradation (starch, hemicellulose, cellulose, and pectin degradation), dissimilatory nitrate reduction (nirB), ammonification (ureC), organic P mineralization (phoA and ugpQ), P transport (phnE), and inorganic P dissolution (ppk1). C, N, and P cycling processes were closely related to soil N nutrients, available nutrient ratios, and C/N-cycling enzyme activities. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis showed that microbial functional genes were directly associated with soil nutrient availability, with soil and plant variables indirectly affecting nutrient pools through the regulation of these genes. These findings enhance our understanding of the biochemical cycling in halophyte rhizospheres and highlight the role of microbial functional genes in saline-alkali soil restoration.

Preliminary Study of Distribution of Soil Available Nutrients in Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Orchards and Their Responses to Environmental Factors Based on Path Analysis Model

Preliminary Study of Distribution of Soil Available Nutrients in Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Orchards and Their Responses to Environmental Factors Based on Path Analysis Model

Pengaruh Kompensasi Dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Produktivitas Kerja Karyawan Dengan Kepuasan Kerja Sebagai Variabel Intervening (Pada PT. Indometro Surya Andola)

This study aims to determine whether there is an effect of compensation and work environment on employee productivity with job satisfaction as an intervening variable at PT Indometro Surya Andola. The research method uses descriptive and quantitative approaches in research. The population and sample are employees of PT Indometro Surya Andola, totaling 51 people. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire. The analysis carried out in this study was using instrument prerequisite testing, namely validity test, reliability test, for analysis prerequisite testing using the normality test, and linearity test. Using the Path Analysis model with SPSS. The results showed 1) Compensation has a direct effect on work productivity Employee. 2) Work Environment has a direct influence on Employee Productivity. 3) Job Satisfaction has a direct influence on Employee Productivity.4). compensation has a greater direct effect than the indirect effect on employee work productivity through job satisfaction. 5) The work environment has a direct influence that is greater than the indirect effect on employee work productivity through job satisfaction.

Pengaruh Komunikasi, Pelatihan Dan Penghargaan Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Yang Di Mediasi Oleh Komitmen Organisasi Pada PT. Tri Citra Perdana (TCP) Tegineneng

This study aims to determine whether there is an influence of communication, Pelatihan, and appreciation on employee performance which is mediated by organizational commitment at PT Tri Citra Perdana (TCP) Tegineneng. The research method uses descriptive and quantitative approaches in research. The population and sample are 102 employees of PT Tri Citra Perdana (TCP). Data collection techniques using a questionnaire. The analysis carried out in this study was to use instrument prerequisite testing, namely the validity test of the reliability test for testing the requirements analysis using the normality test and linearity test. Using the path analysis model with SPSS 26. The results show 1). Communication has a direct influence on employee performance. 2). Pelatihan has a direct influence on employee performance. 3). Awards have a direct influence on employee performance. 4). Organizational commitment has a direct influence on employee performance. 5). Communication has a direct influence that is greater than the indirect effect on employee performance through organizational commitment. 6). Pelatihan has a direct influence that is greater than the indirect effect on employee performance through organizational commitment. 7). Awards have a greater direct influence than indirect effects on employee performance through organizational commitment.

Copula-based estimation of causal effects in multiple linear and path analysis models

Regression analysis is one of the most popularly used statistical technique which only measures the direct effect of independent variables on dependent variable. Path analysis looks for both direct and indirect effects of independent variables and may overcome several hurdles allied with regression models. It utilizes one or more structural regression equations in the model which are used to estimate the unknown parameters. The aim of this work is to study the path analysis models when the endogenous (dependent) variable and exogenous (independent) variables are linked through the elliptical copulas. Using well-organized numerical schemes, we investigate the performance of path models when direct and indirect effects are estimated applying classical ordinary least squares and copula-based regression approaches in different scenarios. Finally, three real data applications are also presented to demonstrate the performance of path analysis using copula approach.

Effects of social media engagement and romantic relationships on academic distraction with emotional attachment as a mediator

The current research attempts to unveil the moderating role of academic self-efficacy and the mediating role of emotional attachment between social media engagement, romantic relationships, and academic distraction. The path model analysis of the study indicates that academic distraction is positively related to social media engagement and romantic relationships as hypothesized in this study. Liking constitutes a significant mediating factor in both relations and is more so a heightener of the social media and romantic involvement distraction. Furthermore, the findings suggest that emotional attachment interacts with academic self-efficacy concerning academic distraction, with those students having greater self-efficacy reporting higher levels of distraction. These findings therefore point to the need for educational practices and student support systems, to attend to the role of emotional and relational factors particularly, emotional attachment to students’ academic focus. This way the dynamics will make educators and policymakers understand how to address the issues of social media and romantic relationships in academic environments well.

Investigating the Mediating Role of Chronic Fatigue in the Relationship Between Mental Workload and Work Ability with Cognitive Failure: A Path Analysis Study in Micro and Small Industrial Workshop workers

Introduction: Considering the abundance and the large number of workers employed in micro and small industrial workshops in Iran and the importance of workers’ health, the present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of chronic fatigue in the relationship between mental workload and work ability with cognitive failure using path analysis. Material and Methods: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design on a sample of workers employed in micro and small industrial workshops in the city of Eghlid. Data were collected utilizing various measures, including demographic and occupational information questionnaires, the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), the Work Ability Index (WAI), and questionnaires for chronic fatigue and cognitive failure. The correlation test and path analysis modeling were used in SPSS (version 24) and AMOS softwares to investigate the relationship between variables. Results: The mean scores of mental workload, work ability, chronic fatigue, and cognitive failure were 69.63, 35.20, 15.58, and 53.30, respectively. The values of the goodness of fit indices lead to the confirmation of the conceptual model by the research data. Also, based on the findings of the path analysis, the current research model has a good fit (CFI=1.00, GFI=0.998, NFI=0.999, AGFI=0.98 and RMSEA=0.003(0.00,0.169)). Conclusion: The path analysis results indicate that chronic fatigue plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between mental workload and work ability with cognitive failure. A better understanding of the mediating mechanisms and complex effects of these relationships can contribute to improving the management of chronic fatigue and enhancing cognitive performance in the workplace

Talent Management Framework in China Youth Travel Agency

In the context of China’s rapidly changing market and evolving workforce demographics, talent management has become a key factor in organizational success, particularly within service-oriented industries like the China Youth Travel Agency (CYTA). This study aims to explore the role of a structured talent management framework in driving employee motivation at CYTA, focusing on four dimensions: Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Talent Deployment, and Talent Retention. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was collected from 287 CYTA employees through a structured survey and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) path analysis. The findings reveal that each dimension of talent management significantly enhances employee motivation, with Talent Development showing the strongest impact. This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the importance of an integrated talent management approach in fostering a motivated and committed workforce, essential for sustaining CYTA’s competitive edge and adapting to the dynamic demands of the travel industry.

Maternal Psychological Aggression, Problem Behaviors, and the Mediating Roles of Psychological Resilience and Self-Control in Preschoolers.

This study examines the relationship between maternal psychological aggression (PA) and preschoolers' problem behaviors (PB), focusing on the mediating roles of psychological resilience (PR) and self-control (SC), and gender differences. Mothers of 1141 preschoolers (52.9% boys, 47.1% girls; Mage = 4.26, SD = 0.85) participated in three waves of a longitudinal survey, each two months apart. Mothers participating in this study reported basic demographic information and PA at T1. PR and SC were reported at T2. PB of preschoolers was reported at T3. Path analysis models were employed to ascertain the relationship between PA and PB, as well as the mediating roles of PR and SC. Multiple group analyses were employed to ascertain the moderating role of gender. Maternal PA (T1) was positively associated with preschoolers' PB (T3) (β=0.220, p<0.001). PR (T2) and SC (T2) independently and sequentially mediated the relationship between maternal PA (T1) and preschoolers' PB (T3). Maternal PA (T1) was negatively associated with preschoolers' PR (T2) only in boys (β =-0.155, p<0.001), not in girls (β =-0.030, p>0.05). This study reveals the impact and underlying mechanisms of maternal PA on preschoolers' PB and highlights gender differences. These findings underscore the importance of protective factors in fostering positive adaptive behaviors in children subjected to maternal PA. Interventions should focus on preventing maternal PA and enhancing children's PR and SC, particularly in boys, to promote healthy and positive behaviors.

Biochar application improves maize yield on the Loess Plateau of China by changing soil pore structure and enhancing root growth

Biochar application emerges as a valuable soil management strategy for enhancing crop yield; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationships between soil and plants remain unclear after biochar application. In this study, soil pore characteristics and maize yield were assessed in a five-year biochar-application experiment on the Loess Plateau of China, including four treatments: Control (no biochar), low-dose biochar application (LB, 3 t ha−1), moderate-dose biochar application (MB, 6 t ha−1), and high-dose biochar application (HB, 9 t ha−1). Root growth traits were evaluated by cultivating maize in intact soil cores collected from field conditions using X-ray computed tomography. Our findings indicate that, compared to the Control, the HB treatment enhanced macroporosity (> 0.1 mm in diameter), porosity of 0.1–0.5 mm pores, and saturated water content, while reducing macropore connectivity and penetration resistance. However, biochar application treatments did not alter the water retention characteristics from field capacity to permanent wilting point or the plant-available water content (PAWC). Furthermore, the mean angle of primary and seminal roots as well as the length and surface area of entire roots increased in the HB treatment, showing a positive correlation with the porosity of 0.1–0.5 mm pores. The mean diameter of primary and seminal roots, leaf fresh and dry weights, and maize yield also increased in the HB treatment compared to the Control. Partial least squares path modeling analysis indicated that biochar application rates positively impacted on root growth and plant productivity through an indirect influence of soil pore size distribution, with 0.1–0.5 mm pores being particularly crucial for facilitating deeper root penetration and root elongation. These findings demonstrate that biochar application primarily augmented 0.1–0.5 mm pores, rather than affecting smaller pores capable of retaining plant-available water or larger macropores, enhancing deeper rooting and root elongation, thus improving plant productivity and crop yield.