Moderated mediation analysis: an illustration using the association of gender with delinquency and mental health. Issue 2 (5th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Miles, Jeremy N.V; Kulesza, Magdalena; Ewing, Brett; Shih, Regina A; Tucker, Joan S; D'Amico, Elizabeth J
• Editors: Mark Shevlin, Professor
• Is Part Of: Journal of criminal psychology. Volume 5:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2015-05-05
• Subjects: Delinquency -- Structural equation modelling -- Mental health -- Gender -- Mediation -- Moderation; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Criminal investigation -- Periodicals; Criminal behavior, Prediction of -- Periodicals; 364.3
• DOI: 10.1108/JCP-02-2015-0010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2009-3829

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – When researchers find an association between two variables, it is useful to evaluate the role of other constructs in this association. While assessing these mediation effects, it is important to determine if results are equal for different groups. It is possible that the strength of a mediation effect may differ for males and females, for example – such an effect is known as moderated mediation. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: – Participants were 2, 532 adolescents from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds and equally distributed across gender. The goal of this study was to investigate parental respect as a potential mediator of the relationship between gender and delinquency and mental health, and to determine whether observed mediation is moderated by gender. Findings: – Parental respect mediated the association between gender and both delinquency and mental health. Specifically, parental respect was a protective factor against delinquency and mental health problems for both females and males. Practical implications: – Demonstrated the process of estimating models in Lavaan, using two approaches (i.e. single group regression and multiple group regression model), and including covariates in both models. Originality/value: – The authors demonstrate the process of estimating these models in Lavaan, using two approaches, a single group regression model and a multiple group model, and the authors demonstrate how to include covariates in these models.