An introduction to the moderation and mediation analysis: Applications in the field of stress

The aim of this paper is to present procedures to analyze moderational and mediational effects between psychological variables. With this purpose, firstly the concepts of moderation and mediation are clarified, and they are illustrated with several studies from the field of stress. Secondly, the procedures to analyze moderation and mediation are described in detail. Due to the introductory nature of this paper, the procedures are based on multiple regression analysis. Finally, the limitations and problems that could arise in studies about moderation and mediation effects are discussed.