Structural modeling of relationships among the variables
The initial analysis used SEM to construct the baseline model, M0. This
model used closeness TCR and conflict TCR to predict SR, SE,
mathematics, and vocabulary. The model fit indices for M0 were
excellent, with x²/df = 0/0, CFI = 1, TLI = 1, SRMR = 0, and RMSEA = 0.
However, it was noted that the coefficients of the four paths from
closeness TCR and conflict TCR to mathematics and vocabulary did not
reach statistical significance. To simplify the model, these
non-significant paths were removed.
Model M1 was then developed based on M0, which excluded the direct
predictive paths of closeness TCR and conflict TCR to mathematics and
vocabulary. The purpose of M1 was to examine whether children of
different genders and grades exhibited the same model. The results
indicated that this model was acceptable and suggested structural
constancy among different groups in the path model. All the indicators
of M1 met the fit criteria, with x²/df = 5.46/4, CFI = 0.997, TLI =
0.989, SRMR = 0.037, and RMSEA = 0.015. In M1, all path coefficients
reached the significance level, with the path coefficient for conflict
TCR being negative, while the remaining path coefficients were positive
(see Table 4).
<Insert Table 4 HERE>