Hi everyone! Greetings from Munich!
It appears in my mediation analysis, that X is negatively related to M, and M is positively related to Y. Also, i find a significant negative effect of X on Y through M. But since M is determined as a perceived benefit, i am currently struggling with the interpretation of this indirect effect.
Mathematically, of course, this indirect effect result makes sense since "- x + = -", but can i interpret this by saying the benefit is overridden or is it rather that the benefit "backfires" on Y and thus a negative indirect is found?
Many thanks in advance!
Hello, I think it is necessary to specify the direct effect of xay, I do not know if I understood correctly, but you mentioned that it is significant what would indicate that only the variable of the perceived benefit between the effect of x -y fulfills as partial mediator, and which is not so influential In that process, if so, it should be well justified theoretically, because partial mediation is a matter of academic debate.
Hey Cristian Ramos-Vera !
Thanks for your help. You're right, it appears that i only found partial mediation in my model. I will discuss this in my limitations for sure. The direct effect of x on y is actually positive.. So, my question remains: how can i interpret the negative indirect effect, when the effect on m on y is actually positive (as can be seen in the illustration)?
It only mentions effect a then effect b, explains its effects of each and then direct effect, although total indirect effect a x b is negative it goes in the line of direct effect I don't think there is any problem in mentioning it in a general way.
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