Our aim in this study was to validate a stress-process model for Hispanic caregivers of adults with mental retardation that incorporates family functioning. The model postulates that maladaptive adult behaviors are related to poorer family relationships and higher levels of family burden, which in turn is related to caregiver psychological…

A Monte Carlo study was conducted to assess the effects of some potential confounding factors on structural equation modeling (SEM) fit indices and parameter estimates for both true and misspecified models. The factors investigated were data nonnormality, SEM estimation method, and sample size. Based on the fully crossed and balanced 3x3x4x2…

This study was conducted to investigate the dimensionality of language tests by means of latent variable models for categorical data. It differs from previous studies by conducting the analysis at the level of the original items using the structural modeling approach of B. Muthen (1984) for dichotomous and ordered polytomous variables. In this…

Basic philosophical and statistical issues in structural equation modeling (SEM) are reviewed, including model conceptualization, identification, and parameter estimation and data-model-fit assessment and model modification. These issues should be addressed before the researcher uses any of the new generation of SEM software. (SLD)

The distribution of technical and substantive structural equation modeling (SEM) articles published in psychological journals from 1987 to 1994 was studied through inspection of more than 1,050 abstracts in the "PsycLIT" system. There has been a clear increase in the number of journals and the number of substantive SEM articles. (SLD)

Data on academic self-concept, school grades, and teacher ratings of achievement were collected from 603 students for three high school subjects in each of three years. Structural equation models show reciprocal effects for prior achievement and academic self-concept for all subjects. Effects were largest for mathematics. (SLD)

A computationally efficient three-stage estimator of thresholds and covariance structure parameters is prepared for analysis of structural equation models with polytomous variables. The method is based on partition maximum likelihood and generalized least squares estimation. An analysis of questionnaire responses of 739 young adults illustrates…

Using an approach to the analysis of missing data, this study investigated developmental trends in alcohol, marijuana, and cigarette use among 750 adolescents across 5 years using multiple-group latent growth modeling. Latent variable structural equation modeling and missing data approaches to studying developmental change are explored. (SLD)

A study at the University of Tennessee Knoxville used mixed-effect structural equation models incorporating latent variables as an alternative to conventional methods of analyzing college students' (n=722) first-year-to-senior academic gains. Results indicate, contrary to previous analysis, that coursework and student characteristics interact to…

A two-stage approach based on the rationale of maximum likelihood and generalized least-squares methods is developed to analyze the general structural equation model for continuous and polytomous variables. Some illustrative examples and a small simulation study (50 replications) are reported. (SLD)

Three psychophysical auditory processing tests, varying in emphasis on speed of processing and pitch discrimination, and tests of verbal and nonverbal ability were administered to 108 13-year olds. A structural equation model suggests that information processing speed and pitch discrimination ability are significantly associated with nonverbal and…

The nature of the attitude-behavior relation was investigated through the use of structural equation models in a cross-lagged panel design involving 254 undergraduates reacting to 2 kinds of goal-directed behaviors. Results suggest that intentions, and to a lesser extent attitudes, are dependent on behavior and not the reverse. (SLD)

A study integrated the major propositions of 2 theories of college persistence (Tinto's and Bean's) and used the resulting framework to survey a population of 466 first-year college students at 1 university. Findings supported most of the hypothesized links between the models and revealed a complex role for environmental factors in retention.…

Examined relation between fathers' and children's communicative skills and child behavior problems early and late in the Head Start school year. Found that the structural models for externalizing and internalizing behavior confirmed the hypothesis that father communication was linked to child communication skills and child communication was linked…

Statistical methods related to Rasch modeling, social network analysis, and latent variable structural equation modeling for experimental designs are critiqued with regard to three important issues: (1) measuring constructs; (2) modeling processes of change; (3) operationalizing social relations. An argument is made for adequate conceptualization…