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The use of structural equation modeling in generative research: Toward the design of a preventive intervention for bereaved children
Author(s) -
West Stephen G.,
Sandler Irwin,
Pillow David R.,
Baca Louise,
Gersten Joanne C.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1007/bf00937987
Subject(s) - state (computer science) , intervention (counseling) , library science , psychology , computer science , psychiatry , algorithm
Describes a generative study of processes which may lead to symptomatology in children who have experienced the death of a parent. Based on existing literature, four putative mediating variables were identified: parental demoralization, family warmth, negative family events, and positive stable family events. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to compare several potential causal models involving these variables. The results were most consistent with a model in which bereavement was not directly related to the child symptomatology, but rather its effects were transmitted through these four mediational mechanisms. The implications of the results of the structural modeling for the design and evaluation of preventive interventions are discussed briefly.