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The present contribution provides a tutorial for the estimation of the social relations model (SRM) by means of structural equation modeling (SEM). In the overarching SEM-framework, the SRM without roles (with interchangeable dyads) is derived as a more restrictive form of the SRM with roles (with noninterchangeable dyads). Starting with the simplest type of the SRM for one latent construct assessed by one manifest round-robin indicator, we show how the model can be extended to multiple constructs each measured by multiple indicators. We illustrate a multiple constructs multiple indicators SEM SRM both with and without roles with simulated data and explain the parameter interpretations. We present how testing the substantial model assumptions can be disentangled from testing the interchangeability of dyads. Additionally, we point out modeling strategies that adhere to cases in which only some members of a group can be differentiated with regards to their roles (i.e., only some group members are noninterchangeable). In the online supplemental materials , we provide concrete examples of specific modeling problems and their implementation into statistical software (Mplus, lavaan, and OpenMx). Advantages, caveats, possible extensions, and limitations in comparison with alternative modeling options are discussed. The present contribution provides a tutorial for the estimation of the social relations model (SRM) by means of structural equation modeling (SEM). In the overarching SEM-framework, the SRM without roles (with interchangeable dyads) is derived as a more restrictive form of the SRM with roles (with noninterchangeable dyads). Starting with the simplest type of the SRM for one latent construct assessed by one manifest round-robin indicator, we show how the model can be extended to multiple constructs each measured by multiple indicators. We illustrate a multiple constructs multiple indicators SEM SRM both with and without roles with simulated data and explain the parameter interpretations. We present how testing the substantial model assumptions can be disentangled from testing the interchangeability of dyads. Additionally, we point out modeling strategies that adhere to cases in which only some members of a group can be differentiated with regards to their roles (i.e., only some group members are noninterchangeable). In the online supplemental materials , we provide concrete examples of specific modeling problems and their implementation into statistical software (Mplus, lavaan, and OpenMx). Advantages, caveats, possible extensions, and limitations in comparison to alternative modeling options are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latent state-trait (LST) models are increasingly applied in psychology. Although existing LST models offer many possibilities for analyzing variability and change, they do not allow researchers to relate time-varying or time-invariant covariates, or a combination of both, to loading, intercept, and factor variance parameters in LST models. We present a general framework for the inclusion of nominal and/or continuous time-varying and time-invariant covariates in LST models. The new framework builds on modern LST theory and Bayesian moderated nonlinear factor analysis and is termed moderated nonlinear LST (MN-LST) framework. The MN-LST framework offers new modeling possibilities and allows for a fine-grained analysis of trait change, person-by-situation interaction effects, as well as inter- or intraindividual variability. The new MN-LST approach is compared to alternative modeling strategies. The advantages of the MN-LST approach are illustrated in an empirical application examining dyadic coping in romantic relationships. Finally, the advantages and limitations of the approach are discussed, and practical recommendations are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although active, responsive listening is widely assumed to be essential for well-functioning intimate relationships, the manner in which this important behavior might promote closeness remains unknown. To test the prediction that listening may be especially influential when partners disclose experiences of stress, we instructed 365 heterosexual couples to hold two 8-min conversations in which each partner discussed a stressful personal experience while the other partner was asked to respond as he or she ordinarily would. We coded expressions of stress and listening behavior at 10-s intervals during these conversations, applied actor-partner multilevel models to compute a variable capturing the covariation between one partner's stress expression and the other partner's listening behavior, and then used that variable in regression analyses to predict observed dyadic coping behaviors, self-reports of the quality of dyadic coping in general, and self-reports of relationship satisfaction. Attentive listening while the other partner expressed stress was significantly linked with better dyadic coping behaviors and higher relationship satisfaction. Partners displaying less attentive listening during the partner's stress expression also engaged in more problem-oriented coping and more negative dyadic coping. Because attentive listening during disclosure of stress covaries in expected ways with support provision and judgments of relationship quality, appreciating the context-specific effects of active listening merits careful consideration as an intervention target in couple therapy and in relationship education programs. (PsycINFO Database Record [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although prevention of relationship distress and dissolution has potential to strengthen the well-being of partners and any children they are raising, dissemination of prevention programs can be limited because couples face many barriers to in-person participation. An alternative strategy, providing couples with an instructional DVD, is tested in the present study, in which 330 Caucasian couples (N = 660 participants; mean age: men 41.4 years, women 40.0 years) were randomly assigned to a DVD group without any further support, a DVD group with technical telephone coaching, or a wait-list control group. Couples completed questionnaires at pretest, posttest, and 3 and 6 months after completion of the intervention. Self-report measures of dyadic coping, communication quality, ineffective arguing, and relationship satisfaction were used to test whether the intervention groups improved in comparison with the control group. Women in both intervention groups increased in dyadic coping, reduced conflict behavior, and were more satisfied with their relationship 6 months after the intervention. Effects for men were mixed. Participants with poorer skills reported stronger improvement. Intimate relationships can, within limits, be positively influenced by a self-directed approach. Effective dissemination of principles underlying successful relationships can be facilitated through the use of emerging low-cost tools and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is a growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but few studies to date have investigated the mechanisms by which TF-CBT leads to therapeutic change. Models of PTSD suggest that a core treatment mechanism is the change in dysfunctional appraisals of the trauma and its aftermath. If this is the case, then changes in appraisals should predict a change in symptoms. The present study investigated whether cognitive change precedes symptom change in Cognitive Therapy for PTSD, a version of TF-CBT. Method: The study analyzed weekly cognitive and symptom measures from 268 PTSD patients who received a course of Cognitive Therapy for PTSD, using bivariate latent growth modeling. Results: Results showed that (a) dysfunctional trauma-related appraisals and PTSD symptoms both decreased significantly over the course of treatment, (b) changes in appraisals and symptoms were correlated, and (c) weekly change in appraisals significantly predicted subsequent reduction in symptom scores (both corrected for the general decrease over the course of therapy). Changes in PTSD symptom severity did not predict subsequent changes in appraisals. Conclusions: The study provided preliminary evidence for the temporal precedence of a reduction in negative trauma-related appraisals in symptom reduction during trauma-focused CBT for PTSD. This supports the role of change in appraisals as an active therapeutic mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of convergent and discriminant validity is an integral part of the construct validation process. Models for analyzing the convergent and discriminant validity have typically been developed for cross-sectional data. There exist, however, only a few approaches for longitudinal data that can be applied for analyzing the construct validity of fluctuating states. In this article, the authors show how models of latent state—trait theory can be combined with models of multitrait—multimethod analysis to develop a model that allows for analyzing convergent and discriminant validity in time: the multimethod latent state—trait model. The model allows for identifying different sources of variance (trait consistency, trait-method specificity, occasion-specific consistency, occasion-specific method specificity, and unreliability). It is applied to the repeated measurement of depression and anxiety in children, which was assessed by self and teacher reports (N = 375). The application shows that the proposed models fit the data well and allow a deeper understanding of method effects in clinical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent article, A. Maydeu-Olivares and D. L. Coffman (2006) presented a random intercept factor approach for modeling idiosyncratic response styles in questionnaire data and compared this approach with competing confirmatory factor analysis models. Among the competing models was the CT-C(M-1) model (M. Eid, 2000). In an application to the Life Orientation Test (M. F. Scheier & C. S. Carver, 1985), Maydeu-Olivares and Coffman found that results obtained from the CT-C(M-1) model were difficult to interpret. In particular, Maydeu-Olivares and Coffman challenged the asymmetry of the CT-C(M-1) model. In the present article, the authors show that the difficulties faced by Maydeu-Olivares and Coffman rest upon an improper interpretation of the meaning of the latent factors. The authors' aim is to clarify the meaning of the latent variables in the CT-C(M-1) model. The authors explain how to properly interpret the results from this model and introduce an alternative restricted model that is conceptually similar to the CT-C(M-1) model and nested within it. The fit of this model is invariant across different reference methods. Finally, the authors provide guidelines as to which model should be used in which research context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensions of latent state-trait models for continuous observed variables to mixture latent state-trait models with and without covariates of change are presented that can separate individuals differing in their occasion-specific variability. An empirical application to the repeated measurement of mood states (N = 501) revealed that a model with 2 latent classes fits the data well. The larger class (76%) consists of individuals whose mood is highly variable, whose general well-being is comparatively lower, and whose mood variability is influenced by daily hassles and uplifts. The smaller class (24%) represents individuals who are rather stable and happier and whose mood is influenced only by daily uplifts but not by daily hassles. A simulation study on the model without covariates with 5 sets of sample sizes and 5 sets of number of occasions revealed that the appropriateness of the parameter estimates of this model depends on number of observations (the higher the better) and number of occasions (the higher the better). Another simulation study estimated Type I and II errors of the Lo-Mendell-Rubin test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of several models of confirmatory factor analysis for analyzing multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data and a discussion of their advantages and limitations are provided. A new class of multi-indicator MTMM models combines several strengths and avoids a number of serious shortcomings inherent in previously developed MTMM models. The new models enable researchers to specify and to test trait-specific-method effects. The trait and method concepts composing these models are explained in detail and are contrasted with those of previously developed MTMM models for multiple indicators. The definitions of the models are explained step by step, and a practical empirical application of the models to the measurement of 3 traits x 3 methods is used to demonstrate their advantages and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous empirical studies show that stress occurring outside of the relationship (referred to as external stress) can spill over into couples' relationships, influencing dyads' behaviors and their relationship satisfaction. There is substantial evidence that the association between external stress and relationship satisfaction is explained by 2 mediators: internal stress and dyadic coping. However, the mediation processes of internal stress and dyadic coping have solely been examined in Western couples. Accordingly, the current study aimed to test these processes in a sample of 474 Chinese couples (N = 948) using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Results reveal that internal stress and dyadic coping can fully mediate the association between external stress and relationship satisfaction in Chinese couples for men and women in a similar way. These findings underscore the importance of moving beyond examining stress and dyadic coping processes among couples in Eastern cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How parents cope with stress as a couple (i.e., dyadic coping [DC]) is related to mental health problems in children. But little is known about DC within first-time parents and child mental health problems in early childhood. This study investigated subgroups in DC trajectories across the transition to parenthood (TTP) and examined subgroup differences in child mental health problems. Mothers' and fathers' self-report of positive and negative DC (n = 288 couples) at seven points of measurement (27th, 32nd week of pregnancy, 2nd, 14th, 40th week postpartum, 3- and 4-year postpartum) and children's emotional and behavioral problems from parent report (4-year postpartum) were used. Latent class growth analyses revealed that over half of the couples experienced a moderate decline in positive DC across the TTP (58%), whereas only fathers reported a decline among the remaining couples (42%). Fathers with a partner who maintained their level of positive DC reported more child emotional and behavioral problems than fathers whose partners' DC also decreased. Results for negative DC indicated two subgroups in which one partner maintained their initial level of negative DC (stable fathers: 10%, stable mothers: 23%), while the other increased. In most couples, both parents increased their negative DC (67%). Fathers reported more child emotional and behavioral problems if their negative DC increased across the TTP than if their negative DC remained stable regardless of the negative DC of their partner. The existence of different DC trajectory patterns needs to be considered in further research as well as prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the efficacy of an evidence-based relationship distress prevention program, the Couples Coping Enhancement Training (CCET), in dual well-earning couples and to investigate whether effects vary by (a) hours of professional contact and (b) mode of delivery (face to face vs. self-learning DVD). N = 159 couples were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 intervention conditions: (1) standard CCET (15 hours face to face), (2) compact CCET (12 hr face to face), (3) short CCET (self-learning DVD + 8 hr face to face), or (4) wait-list control group. Relationship satisfaction and dyadic coping skills were assessed by means of questionnaires completed prior to and 2 weeks after completion of the treatment, at 3-month follow-up, and at 6-month follow-up. Baseline latent change models for 2 factors showed that the CCET enhanced relationship satisfaction and dyadic coping skills in couples relative to the wait-list control group, albeit effects were small. The standard format of the CCET was not more effective than the compact or the short format indicating that reduced amount of professional contact did not decrease the treatment's efficacy and that the self-learning DVD successfully replaced the psycho-educational part of the program. Since dual earner couples usually face multiple stressors, it is a promising finding that they can strengthen their relationship with a relatively short time investment. (PsycINFO Database Record [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors show how structural equation modeling can be applied to analyze change in longitudinal multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) studies. For this purpose, an extension of latent difference models (McArdle, 1988; Steyer, Eid, & Schwenkmezger, 1997) to multiple constructs and multiple methods is presented. The model allows investigators to separate true change from measurement error and to analyze change simultaneously for different methods. The authors also show how Campbell and Fiske's (1959) guidelines for analyzing convergent and discriminant validity can be applied to the measurement of latent change. The practical application of the multimethod change model is illustrated in a reanalysis of child depression and anxiety scores (N = 906 American children) that were assessed by self- and parent reports on three measurement occasions. The analyses revealed that (a) the convergent validity of change was low for both constructs and (b) sex was a significant predictor of self-reported, but not of parent reported, anxiety states. Finally, the authors discuss advantages and limitations and compare the model with other approaches for analyzing longitudinal MTMM data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the quality of emotional experience are among the various significant developmental challenges that characterize early adolescence. Although retrospective and momentary emotional self-reports are known to differ, adolescents' emotional experiences are mainly assessed retrospectively without knowing if the recall is biased in a positive or negative way. The present study extends research on recall bias by investigating possible changes in retrospection effects of students' affective experiences during early adolescence. To this end, we compared retrospectively assessed affect with in situ reported affect. At the age of about 12 years (T1) and 3 years later (T2), 120 students repeatedly reported their momentary positive and negative affect during one school week and once in retrospective at the end of the school week. Furthermore, we examined whether students' emotional attitudes toward school have an effect on retrospection effects of students' affect and on change in retrospection effects from T1 to T2. To test our hypotheses, we applied multilevel first-order and second-order latent difference models. Results indicate a positive recall bias (i.e., rosy view) of students' reports of their positive and negative affect in the classroom at T1 and a negative shift in recall bias by T2. Furthermore, findings supported that a rosy view is less likely to occur, if a student is less emotionally involved in school. In turn, positive emotional attitudes toward school appear to serve as a buffer for the tendency toward a negative recall bias (i.e., blue view) at the end of early adolescence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Avoidance goals heighten the salience of negative social experiences, and in intimate relationships such an orientation may contribute to communication difficulties and the perpetuation of avoidance. We therefore hypothesized that individuals with stronger avoidance goals would be particularly prone to engage in escalating levels of negative communication with their intimate partner, and we tested this prediction by conducting sequential analyses on videotaped observational data (28,470 observations) collected from 365 heterosexual couples engaging in a relationship-related conflict. While less avoidance-oriented spouses showed a decline in their likelihood of negative communication over the course of the 8-min conflict discussion, the likelihood that more avoidance-oriented spouses would display negative communication behaviors remained at a high level. The likelihood of negative communication even increased when avoidance-oriented spouses were confronted with negative communication behavior of their partners. The effects of avoidance orientation were independent of relationship satisfaction and neuroticism. These findings demonstrate that avoidance goals underlie individuals' heightened reactivity to the partner's negative behavior, while also clarifying 1 possible reason why some individuals engage in communication behaviors that may prove maladaptive to their relationship., ((c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.)

This article examines variations of work-related flow both between and within days. On the basis of the effort-recovery model (Meijman & Mulder, 1998), we hypothesized that a person's relative day-specific state of being recovered (i.e., feeling refreshed) in the morning is positively related to subsequent day-level flow experiences during work. Taking into account research on circadian rhythms of human functioning, we further hypothesized that flow experiences follow a U-shaped pattern within the working day and that feeling recovered will affect this pattern. One hundred and twenty-one software professionals provided data on recovery at the start of the working day and on flow at 3 occasions during the day, for a period of 5 consecutive working days (resulting in 493 day-level and 1,340 occasion-level data points). Three-level multilevel models showed that relative day-level state of being recovered predicted day-level flow experiences in the hypothesized direction. The data did not support a general curvilinear, U-shaped main effect of flow experiences within the day. However, people in a relatively high state of being recovered in the morning experienced the predicted U-shaped pattern, whereas poorly recovered people experienced a gradual decrease in flow experiences over the course of the working day. This study emphasizes the importance of recovery during nonwork time for flow experiences within the entire working day, thereby extending research on task characteristics with personal resources when examining predictors of flow.

The question as to which structural equation model should be selected when multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data are analyzed is of interest to many researchers. In the past, attempts to find a well-fitting model have often been data-driven and highly arbitrary. In the present article, the authors argue that the measurement design (type of methods used) should guide the choice of the statistical model to analyze the data. In this respect, the authors distinguish between (a) interchangeable methods, (b) structurally different methods, and (c) the combination of both kinds of methods. The authors present an appropriate model for each type of method. All models allow separating measurement error from trait influences and trait-specific method effects. With respect to interchangeable methods, a multilevel confirmatory factor model is presented. For structurally different methods, the correlated trait-correlated (method-1) model is recommended. Finally, the authors demonstrate how to appropriately analyze data from MTMM designs that simultaneously use interchangeable and structurally different methods. All models are applied to empirical data to illustrate their proper use. Some implications and guidelines for modeling MTMM data are discussed., (Copyright (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved.)