title: New approaches for examining associations with latent categorical variables: applications to substance abuse and aggression.
abstract: Assessments of substance use behaviors often include categorical variables that are frequently related to other measures using logistic regression or chi-square analysis. When the categorical variable is latent (e.g., extracted from a latent class analysis [LCA]), classification of observations is often used to create an observed nominal variable from the latent one for use in a subsequent analysis. However, recent simulation studies have found that this classical 3-step analysis championed by the pioneers of LCA produces underestimates of the associations of latent classes with other variables. Two preferable but underused alternatives for examining such linkages-each of which is most appropriate under certain conditions-are (a) 3-step analysis, which corrects the underestimation bias of the classical approach, and (b) 1-step analysis. The purpose of this article is to dissuade researchers from conducting classical 3-step analysis and to promote the use of the 2 newer approaches that are described and compared. In addition, the applications of these newer models-for use when the independent, the dependent, or both categorical variables are latent-are illustrated through substantive analyses relating classes of substance abusers to classes of intimate partner aggressors.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Social Learning Center.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Feingold
authors.affiliation: Oregon Social Learning Center.
authors.forename: Stacey S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Tiberio
authors.affiliation: Oregon Social Learning Center.
authors.forename: Deborah M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Capaldi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*