Random Intercept Cross-lagged Panel Model Research Articles

Within-individual relationships between mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms: a longitudinal study.

Although the importance of the dynamic intra-individual relationship between mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms has been widely recognized, the complex interplay between them is not well understood. Furthermore, the potential role of prenatal depressive symptoms and infant temperament in this relationship remains unclear. This study aims to examine the bidirectional influence of mother-to-infant bonding on postpartum depressive symptoms within individuals and to elucidate whether prenatal depressive symptoms and infant temperament would influence deviations from stable individual states. Longitudinal data were collected from 433 women in early pregnancy. Of these, 360 participants completed the main questionnaires measuring impaired mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms at least once during the postpartum period. Data were collected at early and late pregnancy and several postpartum time points: shortly after birth and at one, four, ten, and 18 months postpartum. We also assessed prenatal depressive symptoms and infant temperament. A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model was used. Within-individual variability in mother-to-infant bonding, especially anger and rejection, significantly predicted subsequent postpartum depressive symptoms. However, the inverse relationship was not significant. Additionally, prenatal depressive symptoms and difficult infant temperament were associated with greater within-individual variability in impaired mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms. The present study demonstrated that the within-individual relationship between mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms is likely non-bidirectional. The significance of the findings is underscored by the potential for interventions aimed at improving mother-to-infant bonding to alleviate postpartum depressive symptoms, suggesting avenues for future research and practice.

The role of basic psychological needs in the relationships between identity orientations and adolescent mental health: A protocol for a longitudinal study.

Research into the role of identity orientations (the relative importance an individual places on different personal and social attributes and characteristics when defining her or his identity) in adolescent mental health is extremely limited. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms that might explain the associations between identity orientations and adolescent mental health are poorly understood. This study protocol describes a one-year longitudinal study across three time points to be initiated with the purpose of investigating the mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration in the relationship between identity orientations and various mental health indicators in adolescence. We aim to recruit a large sample of Serbian adolescents (N = 2,000 at Time 1), using a two-stage stratified random sampling. The data will be analyzed using the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM), and the results will be contrasted with the traditional CLPM. The goal of this study is to make a theoretical contribution to research in the fields of identity, self-determination theory, and adolescent mental health, as well as to provide insights towards the development of evidence-based recommendations for creating prevention and promotion programs aimed at improving the well-being of adolescents.

Longitudinal Relationship between Cognitive Decline and Subjective Well‐Being in Older Adults Based on the Random‐Intercept Cross‐Lagged Panel Model

Objective. This study used a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model (RI‐CLPM) to explore the longitudinal relationship between cognitive function (CF) and subjective well‐being (SWB) for older adults and investigate if older adults with cognitive decline can be happy. Older adults were divided into two groups according to gender, and the effect of gender with different groups on CF and SWB was discussed. The effects of age, marital status, self‐rated health, exercise, and education level on the CF and SWB were investigated. Methods. This study adopted a longitudinal design and selected 4,672 older adults from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), which spanned 3 time points from 2008 to 2014 (N = 4,672). The mean age was 78.18 years (SD = 9.75, range = 61–111) and 2,238 (47.9%) were males. The CF was measured using the cognitive function scale, and the SWB was measured using 6 questions related to positive and negative emotions from CLHLS. Results. (1) The chi‐square difference test between the two models further showed that the RI‐CLPM fitted data significantly better than traditional CLPM (∆χ2 (3) = 203.656, p < 0.001). The RI‐CLPM was more suitable for this study than the CLPM. (2) This study examined whether the relationship between CF and SWB for older adults was bidirectional or unidirectional. The article only partially supported them, which indicates that including the gender role was successful. (3) Self‐rated health, exercise, and education level had a significant positive impact on both CF and SWB. The only distinguishable factor that affects CF between males and females is the marital status. The effect for female CF is not significant (β = −0.001, p = 0.961), but the effect for male CF is significant (β = −0.146, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Gender discrimination is necessary to better understand the impact of cognitive decline on SWB. Female older adults with cognitive decline could be happy, but male older adults could not. Male CF is more affected by marital status than females. It is more important to care about the cognitive decline of unmarried male older adults. Older age and unmarried males are risk factors for older adults, but better self‐rated health, more regular exercise, and continuous learning are the protective factors for older adults. These risk factors need to be prevented and these protective factors should be strengthened.

Supplemental Material for Bidirectional Relationship Between Intraindividual Changes in Behavioral Activation and Intraindividual Changes in Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model

Supplemental Material for Bidirectional Relationship Between Intraindividual Changes in Behavioral Activation and Intraindividual Changes in Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: A Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model

Virtually isolated: social identity threat predicts social approach motivation via sense of belonging in computer-supported collaborative learning.

Collaboration improves multiple academic and social outcomes. Accordingly, computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) can be beneficial in distance education contexts to overcome the issues specific to online learning (e.g., underperformance, low identification with university). Distance universities often attract a substantial number of non-traditional students (e.g., students with disability, students with migration background). Despite their representation, non-traditional students face negative stereotypes and associated social consequences, including social identity threat, diminished sense of belonging, and less motivation for social interactions. In the context of online learning, where there is little individuating information, social categories like socio-demographic group memberships become salient, activating stereotypes. Consequently, socio-demographic group memberships can have detrimental consequences for the integration of non-traditional students. The purpose of the present study was to (a) determine the extent of social identity threat for students in higher distance education, (b) explore the social consequences of this threat in the same context, (c) validate these findings through longitudinal analyses embedded in a CSCL task, and (d) use learning analytics to test behavioral outcomes. In a longitudinal study with three measurement occasions over 8 weeks (N = 1,210), we conducted path analyses for cross-sectional associations and Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models for longitudinal predictions. The results showed that non-traditional students mostly reported higher social identity threat than traditional students. While the expected longitudinal within-person effects could not be demonstrated, we found stable between-person effects: students who reported higher levels of social identity threat also reported lower sense of belonging and lower social approach motivation. Exploratory analyses of actual online collaboration during CSCL offer potential avenues for future research. We conclude that social identity threat and its social consequences play an important role in higher distance education and should therefore be considered for successful CSCL.

Longitudinal Associations Between Anxiety in Physical Education and Fitness Among Finnish Adolescents

Objectives: This study aims to examine associations between changes in physical education, anxiety, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) in adolescents. Methods: Participants were Finnish students (baseline: n = 1,147; 11.27 [0.32] years). Data were collected over 4 years (2017–2021). CRF was assessed with the 20 m shuttle run, MF using curl-up/push-up tests, and anxiety with the Physical Education State Anxiety Scale. The random intercept cross-lagged panel model, including repeated measures (within-level) and latent levels (between-level) of anxiety in PE, CRF, and MF, was used. The covariates considered were sex, body mass index, and peak height velocity. Results: CRF and anxiety increased, while MF remained stable over time. Lower fitness was associated with greater anxiety (and vice versa). Sex (female), greater body mass index, and undergoing peak height velocity were associated with greater anxiety. Conclusions: Negative experiences in PE are associated with decreased CRF and MF. Effective teaching practices are needed to optimize adolescents’ experiences in PE.

Raising the bar: Testing prospective reciprocal relationships between multidimensional trait perfectionism and undergraduate academic achievement

Prospective associations between trait perfectionism and academic achievement among undergraduate students were tested via a random intercept cross-lagged panel model. Undergraduate students (N = 316) who were enrolled in the core first- and second-year courses of a social sciences undergraduate program (Mage = 18.01 years, SD = 0.06; 74.86 % female) completed surveys on multidimensional perfectionism and authorized the use of institution-verified grades for research. At the between-persons level and in line with previous research, self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) was positively linked with academic achievement whereas socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) was negatively related with academic achievement. At the within-persons level, an increase in academic achievement at the end of students' first year of university, compared to their own personal mean, predicted an increase in SPP at the midterm of their second year of university, demonstrating that academic achievement may encourage undergraduate students to “raise the bar” via amplifying their perfectionistic tendencies.

No evidence of longitudinal association between religiosity and psychological well-being: Challenging prevailing assumptions

The purpose of this study was to examine the bidirectional relationship between religiosity and psychological well-being in a sample of American adults. The study used data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, collected at three time points over approximately 20 years. The results showed a weak positive correlation between religiosity and psychological well-being at the between-person level. However, the results of the random-intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed that within-person changes in religiosity did not predict future changes in psychological well-being, and vice versa. The findings suggest that these variables are not significant predictors of each other, at least in the long term, and that the relationship between the two is most likely not causal. These findings challenge the commonly held belief that religion is beneficial to well-being and suggest the need for further longitudinal research and more rigorous statistical methods.

A Panel Study on the Dynamics of Social Media Use and Conspiracy Thinking

ABSTRACT Studies exploring the association between social media use and belief in conspiracy theories have yielded mixed evidence. To address this inconsistency, we focus on conspiracy thinking – a predisposition to interpret events as products of secret, malevolent plots – for which contextual confounds can be better isolated. We posit that social media use and conspiracy thinking are positively related, and examine whether this relationship stems from selectivity effects, media effects, or reinforcing effects. The analysis relies on a random intercept cross-lagged panel model estimated with data from an original three-wave panel survey (N = 331) fielded in Chile. Results support the existence of a reciprocal, lagged relationship between frequency of use of social media platforms, and conspiracy thinking. In line with recent studies on social media, the association becomes manifest at the within-, rather than between-, person level. We close with a discussion of how these results align with the reinforcing spirals model.

Deviant peer affiliation, self-control, and aggression during early adolescence: within-person effects and between-person differences.

Abundant studies have explored the relations among deviant peer affiliation, self-control, and aggression without separating within-person from between-person effects. Moreover, it is unclear whether self-control mediates the associations between deviant peer affiliation and aggression during early adolescence. This longitudinal study used Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model to examine the dynamic relations among deviant peer affiliation, self-control, and aggression within individuals, including examining whether self-control mediated the relations between deviant peer affiliation and aggression. A total of 4078 early adolescents (54% boys, Mage=9.91, SD=0.73) completed questionnaires on four occasions across 2years. Results indicated: (a) Deviant peer affiliation and aggression positively predicted each other; (b) Self-control and aggression negatively predicted each other but were unstable; (c) Deviant peer affiliation and self-control negatively predicted each other; and (d) Self-control mediated the path from aggression to deviant peer affiliation, but not vice versa. The results more precisely identify the relations among deviant peer affiliation, self-control, and aggression within individuals, providing valuable information for prevention and intervention programs targeted at alleviating early adolescent aggression.

AGING AND SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS: RECIPROCAL RELATIONS BETWEEN PHYSICAL PLEASURE AND EMOTIONAL SATISFACTION

Abstract Previous research has found significant associations between physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction in sexual relationships. However, much of this research is cross-sectional and has focused on young and middle-aged adults. The present study examined data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction were assessed at three points in time (2005/2006; 2010/2011; and 2015/2016). Only data from individuals who were alive at all time points were used in the analysis. Three cohorts were examined: at time 1, the first cohort ranged in age from 57-64, the second cohort from 65-74, and the third cohort from 75-85. We examined reciprocal relations between physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction across time using a Random Intercepts Cross-Lagged Panel Model. The results revealed a positive reciprocal relationship between emotional satisfaction and physical pleasure among the first cohort, with emotional satisfaction at time 1 positively associated with physical pleasure at time 2, which in turn was positively associated with emotional satisfaction at time 3. For the second cohort, physical pleasure at time 2 predicted emotional satisfaction at time 3. Relationships among the two variables were not significant for the third cohort. The implication of this study would be to inform older adults in ongoing sexual relationships on the need to invest in activities that enhance physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction. Future research could examine what variables might account for reciprocal relationships being found for the first as opposed to the third cohort.

THE DYNAMIC AND RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED DISCRIMINATION AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN LATER LIFE

Abstract Studies have suggested that perceived discrimination is a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive health in later life. However, there is a lack of focus in the literature on the changes and directionality of the relationship between these two constructs. This study, based on socioemotional selectivity theory, investigates the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between perceived discrimination and cognitive function in later life. Data were drawn from four waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018). We utilized a subsample of respondents who completed the psychosocial and lifestyle questionnaire in at least three waves. A total of 4,101 people who were 51 and older were included. Cognitive function was measured by the abbreviated version of the telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS-27). Perceived discrimination was measured using scores of the perceived everyday discrimination scale. Random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) was utilized. Age was associated with lower perceived discrimination (b=-0.224, p<.0001). While lower cognitive function was cross-sectionally associated with higher perceived discrimination in all racial/ethnic groups, higher everyday discrimination predicted subsequent lower cognitive function only among White respondents. The model fit statistics were favorable: CFI=0.968; SRMR=0.045. Results suggested that a decline in cognitive function may exacerbate perceived discrimination which may result in further reduction of cognitive function in general. Lifetime experience of discrimination was discussed as a possible source of the racial/ethnic variations in the relationship. Further study is needed to examine whether this relationship holds among people with cognitive impairment or dementia.

RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENSE OF PURPOSE AND COGNITIVE CHANGE IN OLDER ADULTHOOD: A COORDINATED ANALYSIS

Abstract Sense of purpose (i.e., the extent to which one has personally meaningful goals and directions guiding them through life) is a consistent promoter of healthy aging for older adults. Unfortunately, while individuals benefit from having a high sense of purpose as they age, many people’s sense of purpose declines during older adulthood. Some evidence suggests that these declines may in part be explained by health declines experienced later in life. With sense of purpose being a powerful predictor of cognitive functioning in older adulthood, the current project evaluates whether this relationship may be more reciprocal in nature. Using a coordinated data analytic approach, this work investigates how sense of purpose and cognitive functioning promote each other and change together as older adults age. Longitudinal data comes from the Health and Retirement Study (N=15,497; 4 waves over 12 years), Memory and Aging Project (N=1,700; up to 15 waves over 15 years), Minority Aging Research Study (N=950; up to 12 waves over 12 years), and Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (N=22,334; 3 waves over 18 years). Based on a series of random intercept cross-lagged panel models, initial results indicate that sense of purpose change precedes cognitive functioning change and vice versa, when accounting for between-person and concurrent within-person associations. Moreover, bivariate latent growth models show that longer-term change in sense of purpose co-occurs alongside changes in cognitive functioning. In this talk, we will discuss how promoting sense of purpose can support successful cognitive aging, and the repercussions of cognitive decline for sense of purpose.

PHYSICAL FUNCTION, DEPRESSION, AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION OF OLDER CHINESE AMERICANS: CROSS-LAGGED MODEL

Abstract Introduction Understanding the complex interactions of physical function, depression, and cognitive function is crucial for understanding healthy aging. However, few studies have empirically tested these relationships. This study examined the directional relationships of physical function, depression, and cognitive function among older Chinese Americans. Methods This study included a subsample of participants (n=2,811) from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago who completed the baseline survey during 2011-2013 (W1) and at least one of the three follow-up surveys conducted in 2013-2015 (W2), 2015- 2017 (W3), and 2017-2019 (W4). Physical function, depression, and cognitive function were measured by a battery of physical mobility, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and cognitive performance tests (executive function, memory, and cognitive impairments). A random intercept cross-lagged panel model was performed to examine the bidirectional relationships among physical function, depression, and cognitive function. Results The cross-lagged panel model showed that higher levels of depression at W1 were associated with poorer physical function at W2. In turn, poorer physical function at W2 was related to higher levels of depression at W3. Higher levels of depression (W2) were linked to poorer physical function at W3. Poorer physical function at W2 was associated with poorer cognitive function at W3. Finally, poorer cognitive function at W3 was associated with poorer physical function and higher levels of depression at W4. Discussion Our results support a bidirectional relationship between physical function and depression. Also, as individuals age, cognitive function plays a key role in predicting physical function and psychological well-being.

DOES INTERNET USE PROMOTE OLDER ADULTS’ SELF-PERCEPTION OF AGING: SEPARATING WITHIN- AND BETWEEN-PERSON EFFECTS

Abstract Previous longitudinal studies indicate a positive causal association between older adults’ Internet use and self-perception of aging (SPA). However, it is unclear whether this positive effect is truly due to the lagged within-person changes in Internet use or due to some stable, trait-like between-person differences. Thus, with between-person differences controlled, this study aimed to 1) examine reciprocal associations of within-person SPA and Internet use and 2) investigate the potential age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education group differences. Data used in this study were from the Health and Retirement Study (T1: 2008; T2: 2012; T3: 2016). Older adults aged 65 and older with normal cognition were included in the analysis (n = 6,666). Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) were applied to separate the within- and between-person effects regarding the associations between SPA and Internet use. Multiple-group analyses were used for testing group differences. Results showed positive carry-over stability of both Internet use and SPA across time. At the within-person level, only one cross-lagged path, Internet use (T1) ♢ SPA (T2), was significant (b = .08, p < .05), indicating that the within-person Internet use change was predictive of within-person SPA change at T2. At the between-person level, SPA and ICT use were positively correlated (r = .16, p < .001). No group differences were identified. This study indicates that the positive effects of Internet use on SPA may be largely due to between-person differences. Internet use may promote SPA to some extent, but effects may plateau after a certain period of time.

Longitudinal Associations Between Reactive and Proactive Aggression and Depression in Early Adolescence: Between- and Within-Person Effects.

Depressive symptoms and aggression often co-occur, and previous studies have found different bidirectional links between depressive symptoms and aggression, suggesting inconsistent developmental cascades. Moreover, it is unclear whether different functions of aggression are differentially associated with depressive symptoms over time. The present study examined the longitudinal associations of reactive and proactive aggression with depressive symptoms in early adolescence. Adolescents (n = 942, 50.7% girls; mean age = 12.54 years, SD = 0.42) were surveyed annually over three years (2019-2021). Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to disentangle between- and within-person effects. The results showed moderate between-person associations of depressive symptoms with the two aggressive functions. And depressive symptoms were more highly associated with reactive aggression than with proactive aggression. However, the state-level bidirectional cross-lagged associations between reactive and proactive aggression and depressive symptoms were not significant. This study highlights the stable trait-like association between depressive symptoms and reactive aggression, and the absence of state-level bidirectional cross-lagged associations challenges previous developmental cascades in adolescents.

The bidirectional associations between caregiver and child symptoms in the parent-led treatment stepping together for children after trauma

BackgroundAn innovative approach to child trauma treatment in which caregivers are allocated treatment tasks has shown promising results, but less is known about the bidirectional associations between caregiver and child symptoms during treatment. MethodsEighty-two child-caregiver dyads who participated in the parent-led therapist-assisted Stepping Together for Children after Trauma (ST-CT) were included (child age: 7–12 years, mean = 9.9 years). Caregivers' emotional reactions and anxiety/depression and children's posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depression were assessed pretreatment, mid-treatment, and posttreatment. We investigated the possible directional associations between caregivers' emotional reactions and anxiety/depression and children's PTS and depression using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. ResultsSymptoms improved in both caregivers and children. Lower levels of caregiver emotional reactions at pretreatment predicted improved child PTS at mid-treatment; lower levels of caregiver emotional reactions at mid-treatment predicted improved child depression at posttreatment; and lower levels of child PTS at mid-treatment predicted improved caregiver emotional reactions at posttreatment. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that caregivers and children can impact each other's responses to a parent-led child trauma-focused treatment. Notably, children with caregivers who were less affected by their own emotional reactions exhibited greater improvement in both PTS and depression. Supporting the caregivers may benefit both children and caregivers. Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04073862; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04073862.

Predictors of homework engagement in group CBT for social anxiety: client beliefs about homework, its consequences, group cohesion, and working alliance

Objective Group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) is effective, but little data exist on generic relational components of the therapeutic process, such as group cohesion and therapy alliance, and central CBT-specific components such as homework engagement, beliefs, and perceived consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between homework, group cohesion, and working alliance during group CBT for social anxiety disorder. Method Participants (N = 105) with SAD engaged in 12 sessions of group CBT. Measures of homework, working alliance, and group cohesion were completed at multiple points throughout treatment. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were used to evaluate the prospective relationships between measures. Results Prospective relationships between the homework outcomes did not vary throughout the treatment period, with the only significant relationships seen between the random intercepts (“trait” levels). Homework beliefs were a significant negative predictor of future group cohesion, but only in mid- to late-treatment. Homework consequences and working alliance were significantly and positively predictive of each other throughout therapy. Conclusion Early homework engagement is associated with higher engagement throughout therapy. Working alliance and homework engagement are important to bolster early in group CBT. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12616000579493..

Subjective stress and any drinking during alcohol treatment: Disentangling within and between person autoregressive effects

Alcohol use has been shown to increase stress, and there is some evidence that stress predicts subsequent alcohol use during treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), particularly among females who are more likely to report coping-motivated drinking. Gaining a better understanding of the processes by which stress and alcohol use are linked during treatment could potentially inform AUD treatment planning. The current study aimed to characterize the association between stress and drinking during the course of AUD treatment and whether there were sex differences in these associations. Secondary data analyses of the COMBINE study (N = 1375; 69% male, 76.3% non-Hispanic and white, average age of 44.4 years) were conducted to examine self-reported perceived stress and alcohol consumption across 16 weeks of treatment for AUD using a Bayesian random-intercept cross-lagged panel model. There was stronger evidence for any alcohol use predicting greater than typical stress in subsequent weeks and less strong evidence for stress increasing the subsequent probability of alcohol use, particularly among males. For females, greater stress predicted subsequent drinking earlier in the treatment period, and a lower probability of subsequent drinking in the last week of treatment. Interventions might specifically focus on targeting reductions in stress following drinking occasions.

Purpose in Life Links Positive Aging Views to Life Satisfaction: A Within-Person Analysis Spanning 13 Years.

This study aimed to examine the relationship between positive perceptions of aging, purpose in life, and life satisfaction in older adults. It was hypothesized that purpose in life mediates the relationship between positive perceptions of one's aging and life satisfaction. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of older American adults from four waves of the Health and Retirement Study collected at 4-year intervals between 2008 and 2020 (N = 11,546, mean age in 2008 = 62.772). The random intercept cross-lagged panel model was used to separate within-person and between-person sources of variance. Mediation was tested at the longitudinal within-person level and was supported. Results suggest that an increase in positive perceptions of aging is associated with a future increase in purpose in life, which in turn is associated with higher future levels of life satisfaction. The findings inform interventions promoting positive aging, purpose, and life satisfaction in older adults.