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Table 1 Criteria for mediation analysis

From: Somatic complaints as a mediator in the association between body mass index and quality of life in children and adolescents

Step 1:

The independent variable (a) must have a significant total effect on the dependent variable (Y).a

Step 2:

The independent variable must have a significant direct effect on the mediator (m).b

Step 3:

Use the regression coefficient from step 1 and add m as a predictor to test the effect of m on Y. Then m must have a significant direct effect on Y.a

Step 4:

Check whether the effect of a on Y disappears/diminishes after adding m.a

  1. Use this table in combination with Fig. 1a) for a better understanding of the pathways. aPathway 1. bPathway 2
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BMC Primary Care

ISSN: 2731-4553

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