Applications of structural equation modeling in psychological research

This chapter presents a review of applications of structural equation model ing (SEM) published in psychological research journals in recent years. We focus first on the variety of research designs and substantive issues to wh ich SEM can be applied productively. We then discuss a number of methodolog ical problems and issues of concern that characterize some of this literatu re. Although it is cleat that SEM is a powerful tool that is being used to great benefit in psychological research, it is also clear that the applied SEM literature is characterized by some chronic problems and that this lite rature can be considerably improved by greater attention to these issues.