The current practice of latent growth curve modeling in the social and behavioral sciences: Observations and recommendations

Abstract

We examine recommendations for three key features of latent growth curve models in the structural equation modeling framework. As a basis for the discussion, we review current practice in the social and behavioral sciences literature as found in 441 reports published in the 19 months beginning in January 2019 and compare our findings to extant recommendations. We then provide suggestions for empirical researchers, reviewing the application of these very popular models, specifically focusing on comparison of alternative change models, time metric and interval features implemented, and the treatment of individually varying time intervals.