Spurious effects in random-intercept cross-lagged panel models: Results from simulations and reanalyses of data on self-esteem and problematic eating behaviors used by Beckers et al. (2023)
Kimmo Sorjonen; Gustav Nilsonne; Ata Ghaderi; Bo Melin · 2026 · PLoS ONE
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The study found no significant effect — useful as a negative control or null benchmark for your own design.
Abstract
The random-intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) is an extension of the traditional cross-lagged panel model. The RI-CPLM specifically addresses prospective effects within individuals. In the present simulations, we found that the RI-CLPM is susceptible to spurious findings when observed scores on the two variables are affected by common auto-correlated state factors. In reanalyses of empirical data, we found contradictory decreasing, increasing, and null prospective effects between within-individual levels of self-esteem and problematic eating behaviors among Dutch teenagers (N = 1856)
Abstract by Kimmo Sorjonen; Gustav Nilsonne; Ata Ghaderi; Bo Melin, PLoS ONE (2026) — licensed CC BY 4.0.
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Metadata source: OpenAlex · DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0351302