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SPSS and SAS procedures for estimating indirect effects in simple mediation models
Kristopher J Preacher1, Andrew F Hayes
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270, USA. preacher@unc.edu
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers : a Journal of the Psychonomic Society, Inc
|January 12, 2005
Summary
Formal significance tests for indirect effects in mediation analysis are crucial but rarely conducted in psychological research. This study provides macros for SPSS and SAS to facilitate these essential mediation tests.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Statistical Analysis
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Mediation analysis is frequently used in psychology to understand indirect effects of causes on outcomes via mediators.
- A significant indirect effect is a necessary component for establishing mediation.
- Formal significance testing of indirect effects is often overlooked in psychological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of directly testing the statistical significance of indirect effects in mediation analysis.
- To provide practical tools (SPSS and SAS macros) for estimating indirect effects and their significance.
Main Methods:
- Overview of mediation analysis principles.
- Development and provision of SPSS and SAS macros for indirect effect estimation.
- Implementation of normal theory, bootstrap, and Baron and Kenny approaches for significance testing.
Main Results:
- Macros facilitate the estimation of indirect effects using multiple statistical approaches.
- The provided tools enable formal significance testing, addressing a gap in current psychological research practices.
- Availability of macros for download to encourage wider adoption.
Conclusions:
- Directly testing the significance of indirect effects is vital for robust mediation analysis.
- The developed SPSS and SAS macros simplify and enhance the execution of formal mediation tests.
- Increased use of these macros is expected to improve the rigor of mediation hypotheses testing in psychology.
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