Covariances between regression coefficient estimates in a single mediator model

Br J Math Stat Psychol. 2009 Nov;62(Pt 3):457-84. doi: 10.1348/000711008X331024. Epub 2008 Jul 23.

Abstract

This study presents formulae for the covariances between parameter estimates in a single mediator model. These covariances are necessary to build confidence intervals (CI) for effect size measures in mediation studies. We first analytically derived the covariances between the parameter estimates in a single mediator model. Using the derived covariances, we computed the multivariate-delta standard errors, and built the 95% CIs for the effect size measures. A simulation study evaluated the accuracy of the standard errors as well as the Type I error, power, and coverage of the CIs using various parameter values and sample sizes. Finally, we presented a numerical example and a SAS MACRO that calculates the CIs for the effect size measures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance*
  • Bias
  • Confidence Intervals*
  • Humans
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Psychology, Social / statistics & numerical data*
  • Regression Analysis*