The process generally involves the following steps:
Assess the total effect of the exposure on the outcome. Assess the direct effect of the exposure on the mediator. Assess the direct effect of the mediator on the outcome. Estimate the indirect effect, which is the portion of the effect of the exposure on the outcome that is mediated by the mediator.
Various statistical models can be employed, including linear regression, logistic regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM).
