I performed SEM using lavaan with RStudio on a model that includes 1 categorical independent variable, 2 parallel mediators (ordinal), which are latent, and 2outcome variables, one of which is ordinal and one has been defined as ordered categorical - the latter one leading to my question.
When calculating the mediation model with an ordered categorical outcome variable, lavaan automatically uses the DWLS estimator (with DWLS = Diagonally Weighted Least Squares). I was wondering whether the indirect effects can actually be interpreted with this estimator. Without the ordered categorical outcome variable, I would usually implement bootstrapping, but with the DWLS estimator, lavaan would not let me perform bootstrapping.
Is the DWLS estimator okay for interpreting the indirect effects or should I implement additional tests / procedures?
Looking forward to some input / advice! :-)
Cordially, Tobias