Structural Equations for Latent Curve Modeling

Latent curve modeling is one of the Structural Equation Modeling methods that allow analyzing temporal processes when temporal sections are available in small number. The use of these models is quite important in social and psychological research. They make possible description of dynamical development process of the only characteristic or several ones in a complex, as well as changes determination, by some characteristics which are invariant in the process. The first part of the article deals with different cases and types of models. In the second part these models are used to analyze social)psychological longitudinal study data of adolescence and youth drug use conducted in Los Angeles.

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