Dear Researchers,

In a longitudinal study, if one of the constructs is missing for the first time point (for instance, all four constructs are measured across six waves, but one construct starts being measured from time 2), we can consider the first time point for this construct as missing. I am interested in understanding the feasibility of including this construct’s five-wave measurements from time 2 onwards with the other four constructs in our analysis. Is it acceptable to incorporate this construct into a model, particularly a growth latent model? If possible, please refer me to a reliable source or article on this topic.

Thank you for any assistance or guidance.