Causal Mediation Programs in R, Mplus, SAS, SPSS, and Stata

Matthew J. Valente, Judith J.M. Rijnhart, Heather L. Smyth, Felix B. Muniz, David P. MacKinnon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mediation analysis is a methodology used to understand how and why an independent variable (X) transmits its effect to an outcome (Y) through a mediator (M). New causal mediation methods based on the potential outcomes framework and counterfactual framework are a seminal advancement for mediation analysis, because they focus on the causal basis of mediation analysis. There are several programs available to estimate causal mediation effects, but these programs differ substantially in data set up, estimation, output, and software platform. To compare these programs, an empirical example is presented, and a single mediator model with treatment-mediator interaction was estimated with a continuous mediator and a continuous outcome in each program. Even though the software packages employ different estimation methods, they do provide similar causal effect estimates for mediation models with a continuous mediator and outcome. A detailed explanation of program similarities, unique features, and recommendations is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)975-984
Number of pages10
JournalStructural Equation Modeling
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Causal effects
  • counterfactual
  • estimation
  • mediation
  • software

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Decision Sciences
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance(all)

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