MODELING DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESSES USING LATENT GROWTH STRUCTURAL EQUATION METHODOLOGY

Recent advances in latent growth modeling allow for the testing of com plex models regarding developmental trends from both an inter- and int ra-individual perspective. The interpretation of model parameters for the latent growth specification is illustrated with a simple two-facto r model. An example application of latent growth methodology analyzing developmental change in adolescent alcohol consumption is presented. Findings are discussed with particular reference to the utility of lat ent growth curve models for assessing developmental processes at both the inter- and intra-individual level across a variety of behavioral d omains.