title: Multilevel modeling in psychosomatic medicine research.
abstract: The primary purpose of this study is to provide an overview of multilevel modeling for Psychosomatic Medicine readers and contributors. The article begins with a general introduction to multilevel modeling. Multilevel regression modeling at two levels is emphasized because of its prevalence in psychosomatic medicine research. Simulated data sets based on some core ideas from the Familias Unidas effectiveness study are used to illustrate key concepts including communication of model specification, parameter interpretation, sample size and power, and missing data. Input and key output files from Mplus and SAS are provided. A cluster randomized trial with repeated measures (i.e., three-level regression model) is then briefly presented with simulated data based on some core ideas from a cognitive-behavioral stress management intervention in prostate cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational and Psychological Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124-2040, USA. nmyers@miami.edu
authors.forename: Nicholas D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Ahnalee M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Brincks
authors.forename: Allison J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ames
authors.forename: Guillermo J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Prado
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Penedo
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benedict
mesh_terms: D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D015982:Bias; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004493:Education; D005195:Family Relations / Q000208:ethnology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D015233:Models, Statistical; D055361:Multilevel Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D011611:Psychosomatic Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018401:Sample Size; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012984:Software; D014481:United States; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult