Giving dyadic data analysis away: A user‐friendly app for actor–partner interdependence models

Abstract

The actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) is widely used for analyzing dyadic data. Although dyadic research has become immensely popular, its statistical complexity can be a barrier. To remedy this, a free user‐friendly web application, called APIM_SEM, has been developed. This app automatically performs the statistical analyses (i.e., structural equation modeling) of both simple and complex APIMs. It allows the researcher to analyze distinguishable or indistinguishable dyads, to examine dyadic patterns, to estimate actor and partner effects of one or two predictors, and to control for covariates. Results are provided in software and text format, complemented by summary tables and figures. As an illustration, the effect of perception of the partner on satisfaction is assessed by fitting APIMs with varying complexity.

Savouring and psychological well‐being in family dyads coping with cancer: An actor–partner interdependence model

“…Patients’ and caregivers’ perceived capability of savouring the moment was positively associated with their own life satisfaction. Actor effects between patients and caregivers were not significantly different ( p = 0.068, 95% CI = −0.01, 0.15); patients’ actor effect was slightly stronger (Stas et al, ). Caregivers’ perceived capability of savouring the moment was positively associated with patients’ life satisfaction.…”

“…spousal relationship and surgical treatment), patients’ and caregivers’ perceived capability of savouring the moment was positively associated with their own positive affect. The actor effect of patients was significantly stronger than the actor effect of their caregivers ( p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.46) (Stas et al, ). Patients’ perceived capability of savouring the moment was also positively associated with caregivers’ positive affect.…”

“…Variables with significant group differences in any of the outcome variables would be included as between-dyad covariates in the APIM. Models with covariates would be analysed by the web application APIM_SEM (Stas, Kenny, Mayer, & Loeys, 2018). Potential moderating effects of gender of patients/caregivers on the four actor and partner effects were analysed using another web application APIMoM (Kenny, 2015).…”

Parental Influences on University Students’ Mental Help‐Seeking Intentions

“…To examine the remaining study hypotheses, we tested three actor-partner interdependence models using APIM_ SEM, a freely available application (Stas, Kenny, Mayer, & Loeys, 2018). The APIM_SEM application conducts analyses using Lavaan (Rosseel, 2012).…”

Reflections on the actor–partner interdependence model

“…Most of the dyadic DataToText work I have done has been with the APIM. I have one app called APIM_MM (Kenny, ) and Lara Stas has another app called APIM_SEM (Stas, Kenny, Mayer, & Loeys, ). Note the “MM” refers to multilevel modeling and the “SEM” to structural equation modeling.…”