latent growth modeling

Latent growth modeling is a statistical technique used to analyze how a particular characteristic or behavior changes over time within individuals or groups. It helps researchers understand patterns of development, decline, or stability by examining multiple measurements taken at different points. Think of it as creating a personalized growth trajectory, allowing us to see not only the overall trend but also individual differences in change. This method is useful in fields like psychology, education, and health to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or to understand natural development processes.