Baron and Kenny's Model

The mediated regression approach follows the guidelines as outlined by Baron & Kenney (1986). Their analyses require three separate equations to be estimated. The first equation involves regressing the mediator variable on the predictor variable. The second equation entails regressing the criterion variable on the predictor variable. Finally, the third equation involves regressing the criterion variable concurrently onto the predictor variable and the mediator variable.

Furthermore, Baron and Kenny (1986) outlined four conditions that must be met:

• Condition 1. The antecedent/predictor variable must be significantly related to the mediator
• Condition 2. The antecedent/predictor variable must be significantly related to the criterion variable
• Condition 3. The mediator variable must be significantly related to the criterion variable
• Condition 4. The effect of the predictor variable must be less in equation three than in equation two.

Full mediation is achieved when the predictor variable influences the criterion through the mediator. In terms of the regression equation, the beta weight for the predictor is significant in equation two but non-significant in equation three when the mediator is controlled for. Partial mediation is achieved when the predictor variable influences the criterion variable through the mediator indirectly and directly. Baron and Kenny (1986) argue that partial mediation warrants a conclusion of a mediation effect as it is unrealistic to eliminate the relationship between the predictor variable and the criterion variable totally (p.1176).