Mediation Analysis models a hypothetical causal sequence in which variable X affects outcome Y indirectly through mediator variable M, and tests whether variable M indeed mediates the relationship between X and Y (see Figure 1).
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References
Kenny, D. A. (2021) Mediation
https://davidakenny.net/cm/mediate.htm
Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1173-1182.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037//0022-3514.51.6.1173