Hello

I ran a parallel Mediation analysis using PROCESS Model 4, but the specific indirect effect of M2 is throwing me off.

X = Child sexual abuse; Higher scores mean more severe CSA

M1 = Depression; higher scores mean worse depression

M2 = Self-esteem; higher scores mean better self-esteem

Y = suicidal ideation: Higher scores mean worse suicidal ideation

The specific indirect effect of M2 (CSA-->Self-esteem-->Suicidal ideation) shows a positive indirect effect that is significant. Path a (CSA--> Self-esteem) is negative and significant, meaning for every unit increase in CSA there is a decrease in self-esteem. And path b (Self-esteem-->Suicidal Ideation) is also negative and significant, which I believe means for every unit increase in self-esteem there a decrease in suicidal ideation.

Question 1: The pathways individually (path a and b) make conceptual sense. I know the indirect effect is the product of path a and b multiplied together and that a negative multiplied by a negative is a positive. However, what does the positive indirect effect mean? Is the meaning of the indirect effect that CSA increases suicidal ideation through an increase in self-esteem?

Question 2: For pathway b (Self-esteem --> Suicidal Ideation) could the interpretation also be that the opposite is true, where a decrease in self-esteem increases suicidal ideation?

Many thanks!