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)
- 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- 2Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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). These contradictory findings indicated that previously reported prospective effects may have been statistical artifacts. Caution is advised when using the RI-CLPM, as it may produce misleading results. Researchers are recommended to validate findings using alternative analyses, e.g., by examining person-mean centered scores.
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BibTeX
@article{sorjonen2026spurious,
title = {{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)}},
author = {Kimmo Sorjonen and Gustav Nilsonne and Ata Ghaderi and Bo Melin},
journal = {PLoS ONE},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0351302},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0351302},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - 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)
AU - Kimmo Sorjonen
AU - Gustav Nilsonne
AU - Ata Ghaderi
AU - Bo Melin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/08
JO - PLoS ONE
DO - 10.1371/journal.pone.0351302
UR - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0351302
AB - 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). These contradictory findings indicated that previously reported prospective effects may have been statistical artifacts. Caution is advised when using the RI-CLPM, as it may produce misleading results. Researchers are recommended to validate findings using alternative analyses, e.g., by examining person-mean centered scores.
SN - 1932-6203
ER -