title: Moderating and mediating effects in causal models.
abstract: This article explains causal relationships in conceptual models of mental health phenomena. Direct, moderating, mediating, and reciprocal effects among variables are defined, appropriate statistical analyses are described, and the correct interpretations of moderating versus mediating effects are discussed. Examples are provided that will help the reader to distinguish between moderating and mediating effects.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Georgia, School of Nursing, Augusta, GA 30912-4220, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaye
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D015984:Causality; D006801:Humans; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015233:Models, Statistical; D015399:Nursing Research; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*