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Leone, L.

Interactions, regressions, Lisrel: New developments in the confirmatory analysis of multiplicative effects

Different parametrizations of structural equation models including interaction terms were analyzed. The models showed herein (e.g., Jöreskog, 1998) are less complex and less computing-demanding than previously proposed parametrizations (e.g., Jaccard & Wan, 1995). Moreover, they have some advantages over the classical multiple regression models using observed variables. We used data from a study on dieting intentions (N = 609 adult women). The theoretical model assumes that intentions to stick to a diet are a function of the main effects of subjective norms, self-efficacy in the ability to resist eating temptations, and the interaction between subjective norms and self-efficacy. Results show that structural equation models outperform hierarchical regression models since they estimate the interaction effect with higher precision. Pros and cons of the models tested, and perspectives for a wider implementation of such models in substantive psychological research are discussed.

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