Serial Mediation Model Research Articles

The effects of parent-child dysfunctional interactions on early childhood weight: A serial mediation model through emotional feeding and child appetite traits

Parent-child dysfunctional interactions (PCDI) are known to contribute to children's weight status. However, the underlying mechanisms in how dysfunctional interactions between parent and child influence child weight are not clear. This study investigates the impact of PCDI on toddlers' weight, focusing on the potential serial mediation by maternal emotional feeding and child appetite traits. We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from a larger intervention trial to prevent childhood obesity in low-income Hispanic families. A total of 241 mother-child dyads were included in these analyses. Measurements were taken at various stages: PCDI at child age 19 months, maternal emotional feeding at 28 months, and both child appetite traits and weight-for-age z-score (WFAz) at 36 months. Serial mediation analyses revealed a significant indirect effect of early PCDI on later child WFAz through maternal emotional feeding and two child food approach traits (food responsiveness, emotional overeating) out of the eight child appetite traits assessed. PCDI at 19 months was associated with increased use of emotional feeding in mothers at 28 months, which was associated with heightened food responsiveness and emotional overeating in children at 36 months, which in turn was linked to greater child WFAz at 36 months. The findings of this study expand the understanding of the mechanisms underlying PCDI and child weight, emphasizing the interplay between maternal feeding practices and child appetite in the context of adverse parent-child interactions during early childhood.

Psychological Distress in Women with Fibromyalgia: The Roles of Body Appreciation, Self-Compassion, and Self-Criticism.

While past research detected a direct link between symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) and psychological distress, body appreciation was suggested as a viable mediator of this link. The aim of the present study was to further develop an explanatory model for the effect of FM on women's psychological distress and identify possible protective and risk factors. Specifically, it was hypothesized that self-compassion would moderate the indirect effect of body appreciation and self-criticism on psychological distress in women with FM. This study comprised a total of 293 women, aged 20-68 (M = 34.8, SD = 12.3), of whom 146 were women with FM and 147 were heathy controls. All the women completed questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), self-criticism (DEQ-SC), body appreciation (BAS2), and the self-compassion scale (SCS). A moderated serial mediation model demonstrated lower body appreciation in participants with FM compared to controls. These lower levels of body appreciation, together with lower levels of self-compassion, were associated with greater self-criticism and, consequently, higher levels of psychological distress. The results emphasize the role of self-compassion as a protective mechanism against psychological distress among women with FM. Future studies should further investigate the effect of self-compassion-focused interventions on patients with FM.

A serial mediation model for investigating the intention to use algorithmic trading platforms among retail investors in India

Purpose In developing nations, the utility and intention to use algorithmic trading (AT) platforms and financial services are predominantly reliant on investors’ technological knowledge. This study aims to investigate the effect of investor awareness of AT (AAT), trust in AT (TAT) and acceptance of innovativeness (AOI) on intention to use the AT (IUAT) platforms among Indian investors. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale to collect the data from 392 Indian retail investors through a purposeful sampling approach. And, the authors carried out structural equation modelling to analyse the serial mediation among the latent (independent) and observed (dependent) variables. Findings The findings suggest that investor awareness exerts a statistically significant and positive effect on the IUAT platforms. Additionally, TAT platforms and innovation acceptance, independently as well as mediator, significantly influences the usage decision of AT platforms among Indian investors. Research limitations/implications The findings on determinants of AT platform usage can guide investment regulators to promote technological awareness, build trust and provide a safe algorithmic trading environment for retail investors in India. The suggestions may take the edge off a few behavioural impediments among the investors w.r.t. AT platform usage. Originality/value Off the back of extensive literary exploration our field research is among the first that probes an intellectual discourse and documents the empirical evidence on linkages between investor AAT, TAT, AOI and the IUAT platforms in the Indian stock market.

Whether ChatGPT adoption inspires higher education students’ digital entrepreneurial intention? An integrated model of the SCCT and the TPB

Purpose This study aims to integrate the Social Cognitive Career Theory with the Theory of Planned Behavior to unravel the intricate dynamics of how engaging with ChatGPT affects individuals’ digital entrepreneurial intention, underlying the serial mediation mechanism of the cognitive and reasoned career process. Design/methodology/approach This research use a cross-sectional design, drawing on a sample of 604 higher education students from six universities in Vietnam. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the formulated hypotheses after assessing the reliability and validity of scales through Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The results indicate that ChatGPT adoption significantly increases perceived AI competencies, entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to have a positive impact on attitudes toward digital entrepreneurship, which, in turn, fosters digital entrepreneurial intention. ChatGPT adoption thus poses serial indirect impacts on digital entrepreneurial intention through the sequential pathways of enhanced digital entrepreneurial self-efficacy and positive attitudes. Practical implications This study’s findings provide valuable recommendations for entrepreneurs, higher education institutions and policymakers. Originality/value This research contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by integrating two prominent theoretical frameworks to elucidate how ChatGPT adoption impacts digital entrepreneurial intentions. The serial mediation model expands that understanding of the complex cognitive and reasoned processes involved, providing a novel perspective on the role of AI in entrepreneurship.

Compulsory Citizenship Behavior and Emotional Exhaustion: A Serial Mediation Model of Work Stress and Work-To-Family Conflict

Compulsory Citizenship Behavior and Emotional Exhaustion: A Serial Mediation Model of Work Stress and Work-To-Family Conflict

The relationship between fear of cancer recurrence and death anxiety among Chinese cancer patients: the serial mediation model

AimsThis study aims to investigate the association between fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and death anxiety (DA) among Chinese cancer patients, while considering the mediating effects of experiential avoidance (EA) and meaning in life (MIL).MethodsFrom February to June 2023, convenience sampling was used to select newly diagnosed cancer patients in a tertiary Cancer Hospital in Chinese Hunan Province as the survey objects. A total of 436 cancer patients completed the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and the Templer’s death anxiety scale. Descriptive analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted using SPSS 28.0 software. Serial mediation analysis was performed by Hayes’ PROCESS macro.ResultsGender, age, educational level, marital status, residence, occupation, per capita monthly household income, tumor type, and cancer stage were controlled in the model. The results revealed that fear of cancer recurrence had a significant direct effect on death anxiety (Effect = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.064 to 0.087). Additionally, three indirect pathways were identified: (1) through experiential avoidance (Effect = 0.037, 95% CI: 0.026 to 0.049), (2) through meaning in life (Effect = 0.022, 95% CI: 0.014 to 0.031), and (3) through the serial mediators involving meaning in life and experiential avoidance (Effect = 0.016, 95% CI: 0.010 to 0.023). The total indirect effect of the three mediation paths was 63.56%.ConclusionFear of cancer recurrence is a significant psychological distress experienced by cancer patients, which not only directly contributes to death anxiety but also may triggers changes, such as experiential avoidance and meaning in life. Ultimately, this comprehensive psychological distress leads to death anxiety.

Effect of cultural distance on female body image: a serial mediation model

Effect of cultural distance on female body image: a serial mediation model

How and when supervisor bottom‐line mentality affects employees' voluntary workplace green behaviors: A goal‐shielding perspective

AbstractThe present study examines how and when employees respond to supervisor bottom‐line mentality (BLM) by withholding voluntary workplace green behavior (VWGB). Drawing upon goal shielding theory, we developed a serial mediation model explaining that supervisor BLM inhibits their green advocacy, undermining the green work climate (GWC) and reducing employee VWGB. The analyses of multilevel data obtained from 287 employees and 68 supervisors provided support for the study hypotheses. Our findings showed that supervisor BLM constrained their green advocacy, which undermined the GWC and, in turn, dampened employee VWGB. Furthermore, supervisor moral reflectiveness muted the negative association between supervisor BLM and green advocacy and the negative indirect effect of supervisor BLM on employee VWGB serially via supervisor green advocacy and GWC. Our research provides novel insights into the values that responsibly impact voluntary green behaviors in the workplace by illuminating supervisors' BLM, moral reflectiveness, green advocacy, and GWC. Finally, we provide practical implications for leaders committed to enhancing their organization's environmental sustainability. We recommend future studies investigating the consequences of supervisor BLM, underlying mechanisms, and boundary conditions in understanding employees' responses toward workplace green behaviors.

Fatigue and physical activity in post-CABG patients: the parallel mediation model of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy : a prospective multicentre and cross-sectional study in China

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate how kinesiophobia and self-efficacy explain the relationship between fatigue and physical activity (PA) in post-coronary artery bypass grafting (post-CABG) patients over the...

Evidence for Environmental Risk Factors and Cumulative Stress Linking Racial/Ethnic Identity and Psychotic-Like Experiences in ABCD Study Data

Previous work has found increased endorsement of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) among marginalized racial and ethnic groups. According to social determinants frameworks, marginalized groups are at increased risk for exposure to socio-environmental risk factors, including systemic factors (eg, poverty and poor housing conditions) and social stressors (eg, discrimination). We examine the extent to which environmental risk factors and stress account for associations between racial/ethnic groups with PLEs. Analyses included 11,876 young adolescents 9 to 10 years of age from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Mediation models assessed whether stress at 1-year follow-up indirectly linked baseline environmental risk to later distressing PLEs at 2-year follow-up. Serial mediation models examined whether environmental risk and stress indirectly accounted for variation among racial/ethnic groups in self-reported distressing PLEs. Through principal component and mediation analyses, we found evidence that the link between environmental risk (eg, poverty and exposure to crime) and distressing PLEs was mediated by stress. There was also evidence that higher endorsement of distressing PLEs within the Black and Hispanic groups was serially mediated by greater environmental risk and greater stress. The analyses provide evidence that the associations between marginalized racial and ethnic identities with the endorsement of PLEs partially reflects the sequelae of systemic socio-environmental factors. Findings suggest the potential for intervening upon environmental risk factors to target the reduction of cumulative stress over time, which may in turn buffer against the development of PLEs. Using longitudinal data from 11,876 young adolescents aged 9-10 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, this study examined environmental (e.g., poverty) and stress-related factors (e.g., experiences of discrimination, childhood adversity) that are associated with psychotic-like experiences, and whether these factors explain racial/ethnic differences in psychotic-like experiences. The authors found evidence that the association between these environmental risk factors and psychotic-like experiences is partially explained by cumulative stress, and that differences in psychotic-like experiences across racial/ethnic groups were accounted for by both environmental risk factors and stress. Results highlight that systemic factors may explain higher levels of psychotic-like experiences among historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups. Findings suggest the potential for intervening upon modifiable risk factors to buffer against stress, and in turn, the development of psychotic-like experiences over time. We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way.

How and when college students’ perception of teachers’ entrepreneurial leadership affects entrepreneurial intention: a moderated serial mediation model

How and when college students’ perception of teachers’ entrepreneurial leadership affects entrepreneurial intention: a moderated serial mediation model

The impact of university co‐curricular activities on competency articulation proficiency: A mediated model

AbstractTo succeed after graduating, university students must develop and communicate their career‐related competencies to hiring managers or graduate admissions committees. Co‐curricular activities (e.g., volunteering, mentoring) coupled with reflection can facilitate students’ career exploration and help them understand, develop, and apply their career‐related competencies. Yet, as a scientific community, we need to learn more about the role of co‐curricular programming in helping students to effectively articulate their learned competencies. We draw on past research to develop and test a model of university student competency articulation proficiency. A serial mediation model predicted students’ learning goal orientation would influence their co‐curricular engagement, which, in turn, would predict career exploration and decision‐making self‐efficacy and self‐reported competency articulation proficiency. We surveyed 126 students enrolled in co‐curricular programming at a university in North America. Results largely supported the hypothesized model. Learning goal orientation, directly and indirectly, affected career exploration and decision‐making self‐efficacy and competency articulation proficiency.

The impact of morningness-eveningness on depression through a serial mediation model of resilience and anxiety.

Resilience has been recently considered one of the possible mechanisms for the association between morningness-eveningness and depression. Meanwhile, anxiety is closely associated with mood disorder, but its association with morningness-eveningness is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mediating effects of resilience and anxiety on morningness-eveningness and depression as the possible mechanisms. This study included patient group and nonpatient group. Patient group consists of 743 patients with mood disorders [Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), 233; Bipolar Disorder I (BDI), 113; Bipolar Disorder II (BDII), 397] whereas nonpatient group consists of 818 individuals without mood disorder. The Composite Scale of Morningness, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to evaluate morningness-eveningness, resilience, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Our model provided a good fit for the data. The association between morningness-eveningness and depression symptoms was partially serially mediated by resilience and anxiety in both the patient and nonpatient groups. The patient group exhibited significantly stronger morningness-eveningness toward resilience and anxiety than the nonpatient group. In the indirect effect of morningness-eveningness on depression, group differences exist only through each mediation of resilience and anxiety, not through serial mediation. Our results expand on the mechanism underlying the association between morningness-eveningness and depression. They highlight the importance of morningness-eveningness modification to increase resilience and the need to consider anxiety jointly in this process.

Understanding the Effect of External and Internal Assets on Hazardous/Harmful Drinking Among Chinese College Students: A Serial Mediation Model.

Hazardous/harmful drinking among college students is increasingly becoming a global health concern. Previous studies have mostly paid more attention to the prevalence and risk factors of alcohol use disorder based on the public health approach, and less is understood about psychological mechanisms and protective factors of problem drinking behavior. Grounded in the framework of developmental assets, this study explored the predictive effect of external assets (i.e., social connectedness) and internal assets (i.e., self-concept clarity and drinking refusal self-efficacy) on hazardous/harmful drinking among Chinese college students. Participants were 598 college students with a mean age of 19.41 (SD = 1.21) years. The results of structural equation modeling showed that social connectedness negatively predicted college students' hazardous/harmful drinking. Moreover, our path analyses revealed a serial mediation among these variables: students with high social connectedness tended to report high self-concept clarity, which in turn increased drinking refusal self-efficacy, and consequently decreased the level of hazardous/harmful drinking. This study revealed the mechanisms underlying how external and internal assets predict risky drinking among college students. These findings made significant contributions to prevention and precision interventions for college-aged youth with drinking problems.

Positive Parenting, Prosocial Behavior, Meaning in Life, and Subjective Well-being in Adolescents: a Parallel and Serial Mediation Analysis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect relationships among positive parenting, meaning in life, prosocial behavior, and subjective well-being using a parallel and serial mediation model. We sought to examine whether meaning in life and prosocial behavior mediate the association between parenting and subjective well-being, and whether prosocial behavior mediates the relationship between this positive parenting and adolescents’ sense of meaning in life. This research involved 408 high school adolescents who were registered in a Turkish high school. The student composition was 30.5% male and 69.5% female, with ages ranging from 13 to 18 years (mean = 15.80, standard deviation = 1.27). Parallel mediation analyses indicated that meaning in life and prosocial behavior mediated the relationship between positive parenting (i.e., strength-based parenting) and adolescent subjective well-being. Furthermore, the serial mediation model revealed that these variables mediated this relationship, and prosocial behavior served as a mediator in the association between parenting and meaning in life. Additional results also suggested that the mediating role of meaning in life and prosocial behavior may differ between female and male adolescents. As a result, the study provides evidence that positive parenting practices are a significant factor in increased subjective well-being and that meaning in life and prosocial behaviors, in turn, enhance parents’ impact on adolescent well-being.

How well does nature contact promote academic achievement in geography? The serial multiple mediating effects of sense of place and geospatial thinking

ABSTRACT Current studies emphasise that nature plays a key role in geography education. However, little research has been devoted to elucidating the underlying mechanisms by which nature contact (NC) influences academic achievement. With the aim of filling this gap, this study provides a serial multiple mediator model that examines how contact with nature promotes academic achievement in geography (AAG) and is further associated with the serial multiple mediating effect of students’ sense of place (SOP) and geospatial thinking (GT). A self-report questionnaire was administered to 885 senior high-school students in China. The results indicated that the positive association between NC and students’ AAG was not only mediated by an SOP and GT but also serially mediated by an SOP and GT. The findings and details are valuable for educational researchers and practising teachers, as they extend our understanding of the factors influencing AAG and how they correlate with geography learning processes.

Cracking the code to female sexual satisfaction: the serial mediation of sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality from sexual self-efficacy.

Sexual satisfaction has been shown to have a strong association with many aspects of sexual health and wellbeing. It is further considered a robust indicator of an individual's health status and general wellbeing, revealing that a person can enjoy pleasurable and healthy sexual experiences, beyond the mere absence of sexual and reproductive health issues. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sexual satisfaction, sexual behaviors, sexual self-efficacy, and the importance personally attributed to maintaining an active and satisfying sexual life among young and middle-aged women aged 18-50. A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Participants (N = 1,076 women) completed self-reports on sexual self-efficacy beliefs, frequency of sexual behaviors, the importance attributed to active and healthy sexuality, and multidimensional sexual satisfaction. The supported mediation model indicated that sexual self-efficacy was related to sexual satisfaction directly and indirectly through sexual behavior and a serial path through sexual behavior and the perceived importance of healthy sexuality. The total effect was significant, and the full model explained 7.3% of the global sexual satisfaction variance (F = 17.218, p = 0.000), with the mediated effect accounting for 44.3%. This study confirms a partial serial mediation model by which sexual self-efficacy significantly predicts sexual satisfaction through sexual behaviors and the importance attributed to a healthy sexuality. Due to its significant contribution, the perceived importance of sexuality should be considered when studying correlates of sexual satisfaction. These findings have interesting implications for the development of strategies aimed at sexual health promotion and sexual education among women in early and middle adulthood.

How should companies manage their employees’ emigration intentions? A serial mediation model

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between high-commitment human resource management (HCHRM) practices and emigration intentions in a developing country context. It further examines the mediating roles of perceived organizational support (POS) and job satisfaction in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachUsing the survey method, data were collected online from 407 employees. Structural equation modeling (SEM) in Amos v. 23 was conducted to scrutinize the structural relationships among the variables.FindingsThe study revealed that HCHRM practices do not directly impact emigration intentions. However, they do significantly influence POS, which, in turn, has a positive effect on job satisfaction. Consequently, HCHRM practices indirectly affect emigration intentions through the serial mediation of POS and job satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of HCHRM practices, organizational support, job satisfaction and emigration intentions, it has certain limitations, such as its specific focus on Kosovo and its reliance on cross-sectional data. Future research could explore these relationships in diverse settings and use longitudinal designs for a more profound understanding.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first empirical investigation into the connection between HCHRM practices and emigration intentions within a developing country context. It underscores the significance of considering not only specific HRM practices but also broader contextual factors and mediating mechanisms, shedding light on how HCHRM practices influence employee intentions to emigrate. The findings provide a unique perspective for organizations and policymakers dealing with emigration challenges in developing countries.

How are social context factors related to epistemological beliefs, motivations, and achievement in science? A serial mediation model

ABSTRACT Background Epistemological beliefs and motivational factors are significant predictors of achievement in science. Purpose To understand how social context factors shape epistemological beliefs and motivational factors and how they pass the influences to achievement in science. Sample A population of ninth graders in an underdeveloped region of southwest China (N = 2655). Design and Methods With science achievement test scores and survey data from the sample, we built a structural equation model on how the students’ epistemological beliefs and motivational factors mediate the effects of a set of social context factors on their achievement in science. Gender and rural-urban differences are also explored. Results Intrinsic motivation and epistemological beliefs significantly predicted achievements in science. Epistemological beliefs directly and indirectly affected achievement in science, with intrinsic motivation mediating its indirect effects. Among the social context factors, teacher influence and informal learning experiences positively predicted epistemological beliefs; family encouragement negatively predicted epistemological beliefs; only informal learning experiences directly affected intrinsic motivation. Significant rural-urban and gender differences were found. Conclusion Access to informal science learning experiences can play a crucial role in transforming the social environments in underdeveloped regions, promoting students’ epistemological development and intrinsic motivation, and, in turn, their achievement in science. Fostering students’ epistemological development may also require identifying and reconciling the conflicts between epistemological messages from home and school.

Perceived Utility and Learning by Dominican University Students in Virtual Teaching–Learning Environments: An Analysis of Multiple Serial Mediation Based on the Extended Technology Acceptance Model

The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought about a true revolution in the predominant teaching–learning processes (i.e., face-to-face environment) that had been implemented up to that point. In this regard, virtual teaching–learning environments (VTLEs) have gained unprecedented significance. The main objectives of our research were to define an explanatory theoretical model and to test a multiple serial mediation model with four variables in series (one independent variable plus three mediators) to relate perceived utility (independent variable) in the use of a VTLE and perceived learning (dependent or criterion variable) in such contexts, taking into account the mediation of subjective norm (mediator 1), ease of use (mediator 2), and intention to use behavior (mediator 3), and using the extended technology acceptance model as the theoretical framework. Additionally, we aimed to analyze the direct and indirect relationships and effects among the variables that constituted the proposed model. Methodologically, the research can be classified as a cross-sectional causal ex post facto design. A representative sample of students enrolled in higher education institutions in the Dominican Republic was used as the research population, and a standardized Likert scale was administered to measure the five dimensions of the proposed model. Finally, it is worth noting that the obtained results indicate that all direct and indirect effects considered in the model were statistically significant, except for the indirect effect, where the four predictor variables were arranged in series to verify their influence on the criterion variable: perceived learning.