Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Research Articles

Does digitalization drive sustainable transformation in finance and accounting?

PurposeThis paper investigates the interplay among Finance-Accounting Digitalization (FAD), Advanced Finance-Accounting System (AFAS) and Accounting 2.0 and FinTech (AFT). It aims to elucidate how FAD impacts the adoption of AFAS, the evolution of AFT, and the ensuing sustainable evolution of finance and accounting practices.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive survey was conducted from 2021 to 2023, involving 500 companies in Kosovo, spanning various sectors and sizes. The data were meticulously analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software, using structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess hypotheses, model fit and direct and indirect effects.FindingsSignificant relationships emerged between FAD, AFAS and AFT, highlighting the importance of computerized financial and accounting systems, the role of AFAS in achieving financial goals and the accessibility and adaptability of accounting data. In particular, the SEM analysis underscored a robust positive correlation between FAD and AFT, highlighting the transformative potential of digitalization. In addition, AFAS as a technological solution facilitates sustainability and operational efficiency. These findings provide crucial insights for future research and advocate for the use of digitalization to improve the efficiency of financial management.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is constrained by its focus on Kosovo’s companies, potentially limiting generalizability. Additionally, the study’s reliance on survey data might introduce response bias.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by delineating the intricate relationships between FAD, AFAS and AFT, shedding light on their implications for financial and accounting practices. It underscores the transformative value of digitalization in these domains, offering novel perspectives for academic and managerial discourse.

Determinants of ICT Adoption in Business for Emerging SME Entrepreneurs in Indonesia

This study investigates the factors of ICT adoption by early-level small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia after the pandemic. The study was conducted among 237 new SME entrepreneurs from Indonesia's sixth-highest economic growth regions, with a confirmatory analysis of ICT adoption constructs in a structural equation model (SEM) analysis. This study showed that the benefits and integration with consumers are SMEs' main determinants when adopting ICT when starting their business. This condition is a rational response from SMEs when they begin their business in Indonesia's post-pandemic economic recovery conditions, which need to immediately emerge to capture the market with the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. The study's results empirically provide a valid and reliable description of the determinants of ICT adoption for strengthening post-pandemic SME business practices and theoretically offer empirical evidence of factors for improving and strengthening digital transformation in business through usefulness and integration with consumers.

The Influence of Human Resource Development, Leadership Style, and Competence on the Performance of the Mediating Role of Service Quality

This study aimed to determine the effect of HR Development, Competence, and Leadership Style on Service Quality and teacher performance at SMP and SMA IT AL Utsmani Bangkinang. A questionnaire is used to collect data in this research. The population in this study were all teachers at SMP and SMA IT AL Utsmanai Bangkinang with 81 teachers. The sample of this study used the census method with PLS 3.0 Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The results showed that HR development had a positive and insignificant effect on Service Quality. The results showed that HR development had a positive and insignificant effect on Service Quality, Competence had a positive and significant effect on Service Quality, Leadership Style had a positive and significant effect on Service Quality, and Human Resources Development had a positive and significant effect on performance.

Socioeconomic Status and Local Biodiversity as Predictors of Attitudes towards Nature among High School Students in a Latin American Metropolis.

Urbanization and biodiversity loss disconnect humans from nature and may limit pro-environmental actions. Although, a growing body of knowledge exists on people's attitudes towards nature, the majority focuses on the influence of socio-environmental factors. Significant variations in socioeconomic and educational levels in urban areas affect access to biodiversity. In this study, we aim to identify the socio-environmental variables that are associated with people's attitudes towards nature (student's knowledge about urban birds and their participation in conservation actions). We collected data on local biodiversity, socioeconomical status, and high school students' attitudes towards nature (15 schools, n = 175 students) in a large Latin American capital city. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to identify relationships among all variables. Socioeconomic characterization was assessed using levels of socio-materiality and school performance scores. Definitions of ecological complexity were based on bird species richness and vegetation density. Knowledge of urban birds was evaluated using two indicators: urban bird identification (recognition of names) and identification of the biogeographic origin of urban birds (native or exotic). Participation in conservation actions by students was assessed based on implementation scale and implementation frequency. According to our results, respondents' knowledge of birds was poor: 42% of students identified only two species (the domestic pigeon and the monk parakeet, both exotic). Only 26% of total students participated in conservation actions. SEM analysis revealed that socioeconomic status was positively associated with the ecological complexity of surrounding areas. In turn, ecological complexity showed a positive relationship with students' knowledge on urban birds. Finally, students' knowledge of urban birds showed a positive influence on conservation actions. Our findings suggest that, the improvement of students' knowledge about local biodiversity and ensuring equitable access to biodiversity could be an effective way to foster students' involvement in conservation actions, especially in neighborhoods of lower socioeconomic levels.

Self-confidence as a mediator in the relationship between executive functioning and depression among ICU survivors: a latent variable analysis

BackgroundExecutive dysfunction and depression are common among ICU survivors, yet the mechanisms linking these two factors remain poorly understood. Self-confidence has been implicated as a key mediator in the relationship between cognitive impairments and mental health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of self-confidence in the association between executive functioning and depression in ICU survivors.MethodA provisional questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study to assess quality of life in 395 adult ICU survivors, each with a minimum 72-h stay at one of three ICUs at a Swedish university hospital, six months to three years post-discharge. Responses to questions on executive function, self-confidence, and depression were analysed. Structural equation modelling and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to examine the mediating effect of self-confidence on the relationship between executive function and depression. Model fit was evaluated using established indicators. Reliability of the measures was assessed using McDonald’s Omega and Cronbach’s Alpha.ResultsA significant positive correlation was found between depressive symptoms and both diminished self-confidence (r = 0.80, p < 0.001) and poorer executive function (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). Additionally, a correlation was observed between reduced self-confidence and compromised executive function (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Age was negatively associated with depression, self-confidence, and executive function, while male gender was positively correlated with higher self-confidence.Mediation analysis revealed that the effect of impaired executive function on depressive symptoms was fully mediated by diminished self-confidence (B = 0.45; 95% CI 0.34–0.59). The direct effect of executive function on depression became non-significant when self-confidence was included in the model (B = 0.07, p = 0.18), suggesting complete mediation. The overall model fit was satisfactory (CFI = 0.962; RMSEA = 0.075), highlighting the robustness of the mediation pathway.ConclusionsSelf-confidence mediates the relationship between executive function and depression among ICU survivors. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-confidence could mitigate depressive symptoms in the ICU survivor population. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and further explore the causal pathways involved.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Ref# NCT02767180; Registered 28 April 2016.

Navigating the social media landscape: unraveling the intricacies of safety perceptions

The emergence of social media has greatly enriched the channels and sources of information through which individuals interact. However, there remains a lack of empirical research on its actual impact on personal safety. This study employed both Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and network analysis to explored the mechanisms by which social media engagement affects safety perceptions. Additionally, it examined gender differences from both micro-level perspectives (including general trust and perceived social support) and macro-level viewpoints (including personal belief in a just world). The findings revealed that perceived social support, general trust, and personal belief in a just world played a fully mediating role. A multi-group analysis indicated that males were more susceptibility to the influence of social media engagement, with their general trust exhibiting negligible impact on perceived safety. Consequently, this study argues that attention should be given not only how social media affects personal beliefs and safety perceptions, but also its impact on behavioral outcomes.

The Impact of Financial Literacy, Inclusion, and Access on Msme Growth and Welfare in North Sumatra: A Mediating Role of Business Growth

This study examines the impact of financial literacy, financial inclusion, and financial access on the growth and welfare of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in North Sumatra, Indonesia, with business growth acting as a mediating factor. Using a quantitative research design and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis, data were collected from 306 MSME operators selected via purposive sampling. The findings reveal that while financial literacy does not have a significant direct effect on MSME growth and welfare, both financial inclusion and financial access significantly enhance business growth and welfare. Furthermore, business growth serves as a mediating variable, amplifying the positive effects of financial inclusion and access on MSME welfare. The results indicate that MSMEs benefit from better access to formal financial services, such as credit and insurance, which facilitates business expansion and improves the overall welfare of business owners. However, the lack of significant impact from financial literacy suggests that practical financial education initiatives should be paired with improved access to capital and market opportunities. This study highlights the need for integrated policy efforts to enhance financial literacy, expand financial inclusion, and provide easier access to credit to foster MSME growth and welfare in North Sumatra.

A longitudinal study of health-impairment and motivational processes in the psychosocial work environment and the subsequent influence on teachers’ intention to remain at their workplace

ABSTRACT This study examines the concurrent influence of health-impairment and motivational processes proposed by the Job Demands-Resource model on teachers’ intention to remain at their workplace at 12 and 24 months among 308 certified teachers in Sweden. Teachers’ perceptions of job demands (quantitative demands, emotional demands, work pace) and job resources (possibilities for development, social support from supervisor, social support from colleagues, recognition) were measured at baseline whereas exhaustion, work engagement, and retention intention were measured at 12 months and 24 months. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling and subsidiary analyses explored the moderating effects of job resources on the health-impairment process at 12 and 24 months. The findings indicate that the health-impairment process is a stronger predictor of teachers’ retention intention at 12 and 24 months than the motivational process and that the primary focus of teacher retention policies should be optimising teachers job demands rather than enhancing teachers’ job resources.

Organic carbon decomposition temperature sensitivity positively correlates with the relative abundance of copiotrophic microbial taxa in cropland soils

Revealing the relationships between the temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition (Q10) and microbial communities is critical to predict ecosystem feedbacks to global warming. However, the relationships are still far from well understood, especially within the low latitude regions. To address this knowledge gap, soil samples were collected from >100 cropland sites in Southwest China, a region with highly diverse climatic and environmental conditions. The results showed that Q10 values substantially varied across the region, ranging from 1.85 to 6.81, with an average value of 3.27. They were significantly positively correlated with the contents of soil organic carbon, while negatively correlated with the ratios of soil dissolved organic carbon to total organic carbon content. This indicates that soils with high organic carbon contents are more vulnerable to global warming. Further analysis suggested that Q10 values were positively correlated with soil microbial respiration rates, fungal abundance, prokaryotic diversity, and the relative abundance of copiotrophic microbial lineages, but negatively correlated with the proportions of oligotrophic microbes and microbial co-occurrence network degree. The structural equation modeling analysis suggested that soil organic carbon and its quality, as well as microbial attributes were the main factors explaining the variation in Q10 values. The findings in this study highlight the crucial and complex roles of soil microbiome in determining ecosystem feedbacks to global warming.

The social convoy for depression among the older adults in rural China: A multilevel structural equation modeling analysis using a national sample

Rural older adults experience significant mental and physical health challenges. Social convoy theory offers insights into this by assuming functional limitations as antecedent factors of depression through multiple social-related levels. The combined panel data from 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (1,354 individuals with 5,416 responses) was utilized to address the above assumption. The multilevel structural equation modeling was employed to examine whether social activity participation and parent-child interaction mediate the relationship between functional limitations and depressive symptoms at multiple levels. The results indicated that the mediation effects existed only at the between-person level. Specifically, older adults with more functional limitations participated in less social activity, leading to more depressive symptoms, but engaged in more parent-child interaction, reducing depressive symptoms. At the within-person level, depressive symptoms in a given older adult were correlated with functional limitations. In years with greater limitations, older adults participated less in both social activity and parent-child interaction. Interventions should be tailored to older adults’ functional limitations, focusing on social activities for those with typically greater limitations, intergenerational programs for those with fewer limitations, and a combination of both for those experiencing significant increases in limitations.

Determinants of oral health among Iranian soldiers: a structural equation modeling study

BackgroundMilitary personnel often face unique challenges in maintaining optimal oral health. This study investigated the oral health status, caries experience, and associated factors among a sample of Iranian soldiers, employing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to explore the complex interplay of socioeconomic and behavioral determinants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 658 male soldiers aged 18–30 years from three military barracks in Fars province, Iran. Data were collected through a structured instrument and clinical oral examinations. The study employs the DMFT index, which measures caries experience based on decayed, missing, and filled teeth, along with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) to assess overall oral health status. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the complex relationships between socioeconomic factors, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes.ResultsThe mean DMFT score was 3.57 ± 5.91, and the mean OHIS score was 0.56 ± 1.42. SEM analysis revealed that socioeconomic status (SES) indirectly influenced DMFT and oral hygiene scores, mediated by drug use, oral hygiene practices, dietary sugar consumption, and dental visit frequency. Lower toothbrushing frequency was significantly associated with higher DMFT (Estimate = -0.064, p < 0.001) and OHIS scores (Estimate = -0.637, p < 0.001). Drug use (smoking, qalyan, alcohol) was linked to poorer oral health outcomes, while more frequent dental visits were associated with lower DMFT and OHIS scores.ConclusionThis study reveals the complex interplay between socioeconomic conditions, oral health behaviors, and oral health outcomes among Iranian soldiers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors and improve access to preventive dental care within military settings. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate further the causal pathways between these factors and oral health outcomes in military populations.

Trauma levels and perspectives on dignified death among nurses and physicians who directly experienced the recent earthquake

Background Unexpected, sudden, and tragic losses can prompt us to reflect on the concept of a "good death." The earthquake disaster that struck our country in 2023 vividly demonstrated the challenging impact of such events, which can turn lives upside down and compel us to question the notion of a "good death." This study aims to determine the perceptions of a "good death" and the levels of trauma experienced by physicians and nurses who directly witnessed the earthquake disaster, and to understand the relationship between these factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 1 and December 31, 2023, using phone interviews facilitated by a web-based Google form. Data were collected from 560 healthcare professionals (280 nurses and 280 doctors) working in hospitals located in Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Malatya, and Adıyaman provinces in Türkiye, which were directly impacted by the earthquake of February 6, 2023, and who consented to participate in the study. Trauma levels were assessed using the "Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale," and perceptions of a good death were evaluated using the "Good Death Scale (GDS)." Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 and AMOS 24 software. Normal distribution was checked with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test. Independent t-tests were used to compare independent binary groups, Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between scale scores, and Cronbach’s α coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the scales (Good Death Scale: 0.931; Trauma Scale: 0.957). Structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between scale scores according to the profession variable. Findings The mean score for the perception of a good death was found to be 52.76 ± 8.77 for physicians and 55.84 ± 9.63 for nurses. A statistically significant difference was detected between physicians and nurses in the "psychosocial spirituality," "personal control," and "clinical" sub-dimensions of the scale (p&lt;0.05). The mean trauma scores were 56.81 ± 17.58 for physicians and 64.82 ± 18.56 for nurses. A significant difference was found in the trauma scale and its sub-dimensions ("excitement limitation," "emotional," "cognitive restructuring," "sleep problems") (p&lt;0.05). It was observed that higher trauma levels positively influenced good death perception scores. Conclusion This study reveals that healthcare workers are deeply affected psychologically by major disasters, with high levels of trauma. A significant relationship was found between trauma levels and perceptions of a good death. These findings provide an important basis for future research to understand how trauma shapes the lives and job performance of healthcare workers in the long term.

Factors Affecting Stock Investment by Individual Investors on the Indonesia Stock Exchange

This study aims to examine the factors that influence individual investors in investing in stocks on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The factors studied and suspected of influencing individual investor decisions are financial literacy, risk perception and herding behavior. The study also examines the effect of financial literacy on risk perception. The population in this study were college students in Yogyakarta who had invested in the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Respondents were focused on students of the Islamic University of Indonesia with a total of 115 students taken using convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques. To test the hypothesis, the researcher used a structural equation model analysis tool with the Smart PLS program. The results of the study indicate that financial literacy, risk perception have a positive effect on investment decisions. However, herding behavior does not affect investment decisions, while financial literacy also affects risk perception.

A structural equation model analysis of the relationships between career indecision, sense of control, self-efficacy, rumination and depression in high school students

This study examined the links between career-decision making and mental health. Levels of career indecision, rumination, general self-efficacy, sense of control, and depression in 275 high school students were assessed. Anonymous responses to five valid and reliable scales were analysed using structural equation modelling. A conceptual model was postulated and tested for goodness of fit. The results yielded that perceived external constraints acted as a significant mediator between career indecision and depression. Ruminative brooding significantly moderated the link between career indecision and perceived external constraints. The structural equation analysis on the adjusted model demonstrated an overall good model fit. The study highlights the intricate linkages and effects between students’ career decision making, thinking patterns, perceptions of external barriers, and mental health. Levels of depression and career indecision are heightened in the present study. The mechanistic model and associated findings of the study support the necessity of providing targeted interventions for high school students that concurrently address mental health concerns alongside career-decision making, whilst also ameliorating problems associated with self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and negative thought patterns.

Local Government Tourism Officer satisfaction with the Smart Destination model: A case study with the Kano method

The aim of this research is to analyse local government tourism officer satisfaction with a smart destination model using the Kano method. A causal model is proposed with four antecedent variables of tourism officer satisfaction with the smart destination model: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust in and challenges of the model. The smart destination model applied to a smart destination network in the Valencian Community (Spain) is taken as a case study. The results show that trust, ease of use and challenges have a linear relationship with satisfaction, while usefulness has a non-linear relationship. However, structural equation modelling analysis shows that only trust in the model significantly influences local government tourism officer satisfaction with the model.

Modeling Occupational Stress on Employee Performance with Mediating and Moderating Roles of Social Support: Structural Equation Modeling and Multivariate Analysis

Purpose: This empirical study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance and the mediating and moderating effects of social support on the relationship between occupational stress and the performance of IT sector employees in Bangalore city. Methodology: A quantitative methodology was used. The data were collected via a questionnaire to measure the three reflective constructs of the study: occupational stress, employee performance, and social support. Factor loadings &gt; 0.5 for the items of all three constructs were considered for analysis. The questionnaire's internal consistency was measured by assessing Cronbach's alpha and the split-half correlation coefficient. SEM analysis was carried out on the valid responses of 500 responses via AMOS version 28. Findings: The results of the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality indicated normally distributed data. Excellent model fit was observed, as indicated by the model fit statistics. A statistically significant direct effect between occupational stress and employee performance and social support was observed, with both the variable performance of occupational stress and social support explaining 28% of the variance in the dependent variable. performance This study also examined the moderating role of social factors in the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance. Social support also moderated the performance of the IT sector employees. Positive and statistically significant moderating effects of social support on the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance were observed. The slope analysis revealed that social support strengthens the relationship between occupational stress and employee performance. The authors suggest that organizations adopt social support strategies, such as breaks, meditation, and yoga, to relieve stress and increase social support among employees. Originality: This study assessed the effects of modeling occupational stress on employee performance with mediating and moderating roles of social support via structural equation modeling analysis and multivariate analysis.

Mindfulness affected post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth: Adaptive and maladaptive sides through trauma-related shame and guilt.

Mindfulness plays an important role in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and promoting posttraumatic growth (PTG) among traumatized populations. However, the mechanism at the emotional level has not been fully examined. Thus, we aimed to investigate the possible mediating roles of trauma-related shame and guilt. A total of 814 college students (Mage = 19.55, SD = 1.89) with traumatic experiences in China were recruited. Traumatic experiences, mindfulness, trauma-related shame, and trauma-related guilt were assessed in the first survey. Six months later, PTSS and PTG were assessed in the second survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that mindfulness was associated with less PTSS through shame and guilt. However, though directly associated with more PTG, mindfulness could also negatively predict PTG by evoking less guilt. Mindfulness can be a way to cope with traumatic experiences and related psychological consequences. However, although mindfulness can reduce PTSS by suppressing negative trauma-related shame and guilt, it can also limit the realization of PTG by inhibiting the adaptive sides of these emotions.

Relationship between employer branding and employee performance: Mediating and moderating effects of supportive work environment and compensation and benefits

Employer branding is a complex idea that is important in many different industries. It represents a company's ability to attract, engage and retain talent as well as its status as an employer. A strong employer brand transcends industry boundaries to impact the success and sustainability of businesses in today's competitive job market. The authors examined the effect of employer branding on employee performance by mediating and moderating roles of a supportive work environment and compensation and benefits respectively. The authors followed the quantitative methodology with a set of strategies and hypotheses and gathered numerical data. The data were gathered by surveying employees working in information technology sector companies in the city of Bangalore. The data analysis includes descriptive statistics, factor analysis and structural equation modeling analysis using SPSS and IBM AMOS version 28. The Cronbach’s alpha values of the reliability statistics ranged from 0.920 to 0.930 indicating the questionnaire’s internal consistency and reliability. The model fit indices CMIN/DF 1.389, CFI 0.966, GFI 0.952, TLI 0.961, IFI 0.966, NFI 0.904, SRMR 0.060, RMSEA 0.051 and PClose 0.448 indicate an excellent fit of the model. The constructs of compensation and benefits and a supportive work environment partially mediate employee performance through employer branding. The moderator’s supportive work environment strengthens the positive relationship between employee branding and employee performance. Strong employer branding is important for attracting top talent and improving employee performance in various industries but it is especially important in the IT sector.

The relationship between square dance exercise and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults: chain mediated effects of negative emotions and attitudes toward aging

BackgroundWith the continuous development of society and the economy, population aging has become an inevitable global development trend, triggering a series of social problems and having a more serious impact on the physical and mental health of middle-aged and older adults. Physical exercise is one of the key factors for improving the overall health and quality of life of individuals, but the role of square dance exercise and the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults have not yet been clarified.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the associations between square dance exercise and the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults and its mechanism of action, including its effects on physical health and mental health, with negative emotions and attitudes towards aging as mediating variables.MethodThis study adopted a cross-sectional research method, using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale in Simplified Chinese (DASS-21), Attitudes toward Aging Questionnaire (AAQ), and 12-item Short Form of the Health Survey (SF-12), and launched an online survey on the QuestionStar platform from August–September 2023 for 4,636 middle and older adults aged 45–74 years. The survey results were analyzed via Pearson correlation analysis via SPSS 27.0 and structural equation modeling analysis via Mplus 8.3 to test the model fit and mediation effects.ResultsSquare dance exercise was significantly correlated with negative emotions, attitudes towards aging, and quality of life (r = −0.042–0.878, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Square dance exercise significantly and positively predicted quality of life (β = 0. 202, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Negative emotions and attitudes towards aging are chain mediators of square dance exercise and quality of life, and the mediation consists of three pathways: separate mediation of negative emotions, separate mediation of attitudes towards aging, and chain mediation of negative emotions-attitudes towards aging.ConclusionThis study is dedicated to deepening the scientific role of how square dancing, as a health-promoting activity, can optimize the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults through the mediating mechanism of negative emotion alleviation and positive attitudes towards aging and then optimize the quality of life of middle-aged and older adults. This process not only enriches the theoretical framework of the complex interactions between psychosocial factors and healthy aging but also provides a solid empirical foundation for the development of health intervention strategies aimed at enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life of the middle-aged and older adults.

Longitudinal Effects of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Physical Education Classes on Attention and Academic Achievement

Previous studies showed moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and aerobic fitness in adolescents are significant factors for cognitive and academic performance. Most previous studies have employed a cross-sectional design; consequently, the evidence on the longitudinal effect of physical education classes (PECs) on cognitive performance and academic achievement is limited. Therefore, the current study utilized a longitudinal design to examine the longstanding effect of MVPA during PECs on cognitive and academic performance across gender groups. Structural equation modeling analyses were employed to understand how MVPA influences youth academic achievement in a nationally representative sample (n = 2092). Study findings indicated that (a) MVPA exerted a direct effect on initial academic achievement as well as an indirect effect, which is mediated by middle school students’ attention in both gender groups; (b) MVPA had both long-term direct effects on academic achievement as well as indirect effects on attention, which ultimately affected the subsequent academic achievements of female middle school students.