No Need to be Discrete: A Method for Continuous Time Mediation Analysis
- 18 June 2015
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal
- Vol. 23 (1), 61-75
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2014.973960
Abstract
Mediation is one concept that has shaped numerous theories. The list of problems associated with mediation models, however, has been growing. Mediation models based on cross-sectional data can produce unexpected estimates, so much so that making longitudinal or causal inferences is inadvisable. Even longitudinal mediation models have faults, as parameter estimates produced by these models are specific to the lag between observations, leading to much debate over appropriate lag selection. Using continuous time models (CTMs) rather than commonly employed discrete time models, one can estimate lag-independent parameters. We demonstrate methodology that allows for continuous time mediation analyses, with attention to concepts such as indirect and direct effects, partial mediation, the effect of lag, and the lags at which relations become maximal. A simulation compares common longitudinal mediation methods with CTMs. Reanalysis of a published covariance matrix demonstrates that CTMs can be fit to data used in longitudinal mediation studies.Keywords
This publication has 51 references indexed in Scilit:
- Continuous time modelling with individually varying time intervals for oscillating and non‐oscillating processesBritish Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology, 2012
- Second-order stochastic differential equation model as an alternative for the ALT and CALT modelsAStA Advances in Statistical Analysis, 2010
- Loneliness impairs daytime functioning but not sleep duration.Health Psychology, 2010
- Using derivative estimates to describe intraindividual variability at multiple time scales.Psychological Methods, 2009
- Peer Rejection, Aggressive or Withdrawn Behavior, and Psychological Maladjustment from Ages 5 to 12: An Examination of Four Predictive ModelsChild Development, 2006
- Testing Mediational Models With Longitudinal Data: Questions and Tips in the Use of Structural Equation Modeling.Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2003
- Mediation in experimental and nonexperimental studies: New procedures and recommendations.Psychological Methods, 2002
- A Mediational Model of the Impact of Marital Conflict on Adolescent Adjustment in Intact and Divorced Families: The Role of Disrupted ParentingChild Development, 1990
- The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1986
- Linear Stochastic Differential Equation Models for Panel Data with Unobserved VariablesSociological Methodology, 1986