I ran 2 mediation models each with two mediators in R (lavaan) and am looking for help with interpretation.
Model 1:
- Paths a1 and a2 = significant
- Paths b1 and b2 = not significant
- Path c' = significant (direct effect)
- Path c = significant (total effect)
I want to know what I can conclude about the relation between X1 and Y. Can I argue that there is both an effect of X1 on Y (direct) as well as an additive effect (through total effect = direct + indirect)?
Model 2:
- Paths a1 and a2 = significant
- Paths b1 and b2 = not significant
- Path c' = not significant (direct effect)
- Path c = significant (total effect)
I want to know what I can conclude about the relation between X2 and Y. Can I argue that there is an effect of X on Y when you consider the additive effects of the direct and indirect paths (i.e., the total effect)?
Thank you!