7 Next-Gen Structural Equation Modeling Books Leading 2025

Discover Structural Equation Modeling Books by Michael Eid, Todd D. Little, Jonathan Sarwono, and other authorities reshaping the field in 2025

Updated on June 27, 2025
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The Structural Equation Modeling landscape changed dramatically in 2024, with fresh methodologies and software integrations pushing the boundaries of quantitative research. As fields like psychology, social sciences, and data analytics demand more nuanced modeling, these new books offer invaluable guidance on the latest approaches — from handling complex multi-rater data to mastering longitudinal analyses. Staying current means diving into works that reflect the evolving demands of real-world research.

These seven books are authored by leading figures such as Michael Eid, Todd D. Little, and Jonathan Sarwono, whose expertise in psychometrics, educational psychology, and advanced statistical techniques lends authority to their insights. Their contributions range from clarifying theoretical foundations to offering hands-on applications with modern software like R, SAS, EQS, and SmartPLS. Together, they chart a course through emerging SEM challenges and opportunities.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Structural Equation Modeling goals might consider creating a personalized Structural Equation Modeling book that builds on these emerging trends and aligns perfectly with individual research contexts.

This book presents a focused exploration of structural equation modeling tailored specifically for multiple rater data, an area often overlooked in general SEM texts. It highlights the importance of matching model choice to measurement design and rater characteristics, addressing both cross-sectional and longitudinal contexts. With practical equation and application boxes, plus companion code in Mplus and R's lavaan package, it supports researchers and practitioners aiming to enhance the rigor and interpretability of multi-observer data in social science research.
Structural Equation Modeling of Multiple Rater Data (Methodology in the Social Sciences Series) book cover

by Michael Eid, Christian Geiser, Tobias Koch·You?

2024·352 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Psychometrics, Measurement Design, Multiple Raters, Latent Variables

Drawing from their extensive expertise in psychometrics and quantitative methods, Michael Eid, Christian Geiser, and Tobias Koch delve into the nuanced challenges of analyzing data collected from multiple raters. You learn how to tailor structural equation models based on the specific measurement design and rater types, rather than applying generic approaches. For example, the authors guide you through modeling strategies that accommodate both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, emphasizing the latent variables' substantive interpretation. If your work involves complex personality or attitude assessments using multiple observations, this book equips you with practical model selection frameworks and code examples in Mplus and R to implement them effectively.

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Best for comparative SEM approaches
Jonathan Sarwono’s book offers a balanced exploration of structural equation modeling by examining three key analytical approaches: covariance-based SEM, Partial Least Square SEM, and a novel component-based method. It highlights their distinct assumptions, such as data normality and sample size requirements, and presents these methods objectively without favoring one over the others. This approach benefits researchers and statisticians aiming to deepen their grasp of SEM’s latest developments and software tools like LISREL, SmartPLS, and Gesca. By clearly outlining these evolving techniques, the book addresses the need for a nuanced understanding of SEM’s applications in advanced statistics and quantitative research.
2024·239 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Covariance Analysis, Partial Least Square, Component-Based SEM, Statistical Methods

Jonathan Sarwono’s latest work delves into three distinct approaches to structural equation modeling (SEM), presenting them without bias to let you grasp their unique strengths and limitations. You’ll explore covariance-based SEM, widely accepted for advanced statistical analysis, alongside Partial Least Square SEM, which relaxes stringent assumptions like normality and large sample sizes, and a newer component-based method designed to address weaknesses in the latter. The book’s clarity in explaining these methods side-by-side equips you to choose the right approach for your research or application. If your work demands a nuanced understanding of SEM’s evolving methodologies, this book lays a solid foundation without pushing one method over another.

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Best for personalized SEM insights
This AI-created book on structural equation modeling is tailored to your skill level and research interests. After sharing which 2025 SEM topics you want to focus on, your background, and your goals, this book is crafted to cover the very latest developments that matter to you. It’s designed to help you explore emerging SEM techniques and software advances in a way that matches your specific needs. Personalization here means you get a concise, relevant guide that keeps you ahead of new discoveries without wading through irrelevant material.
2025·50-300 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Model Specification, Estimation Methods, Longitudinal Analysis, Software Integration

This personalized book explores groundbreaking developments in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as of 2025, tailored to your specific interests and background. It examines the newest research findings, emerging techniques, and software advancements that are reshaping SEM applications across various fields. By focusing on the latest discoveries, this book offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge insights that match your goals and experience level. Through a tailored approach, you delve into specialized topics such as advanced model specification, novel estimation methods, and innovative ways to handle complex data structures. This focused exploration equips you with up-to-date knowledge, aligning with your aspirations to stay at the forefront of SEM research and practice.

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Best for EQS software beginners
William V. Jenkins’ Basic Manual for the use of EQS offers a focused introduction to Structural Equation Modeling through the lens of EQS software. It emphasizes practical steps from data preparation to model interpretation, tailored to researchers and students in social sciences. This manual addresses the need for accessible guidance on applying SEM techniques using EQS, helping you navigate model setup, parameter estimation, and evaluation with clarity. If you want to build your SEM skills grounded in both theory and application, this book provides a compact yet thorough resource to support your learning journey.
2024·53 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Data Preparation, Model Specification, Parameter Estimation, Model Evaluation

What happens when a clear focus on practical application meets Structural Equation Modeling? William V. Jenkins offers a manual that cuts through jargon to teach you how to use EQS software effectively for SEM analysis. You’ll learn to prepare data meticulously, specify models with precision, and interpret results with confidence, all grounded in solid theory tailored for social science research. The book’s concise format, including examples and stepwise guidance, makes it approachable if you’re looking to move beyond theory to actual implementation. This manual suits anyone aiming to build foundational SEM skills using EQS, especially students and researchers seeking a straightforward pathway.

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Best for longitudinal SEM researchers
Todd D. Little, Professor at Texas Tech University and editor of the Methodology in the Social Sciences series, brings his extensive background in educational psychology and statistics to this updated edition. His role as a Fellow of multiple psychological associations and his leadership in renowned Stats Camp highlight his commitment to advancing SEM education. This book reflects his deep engagement with the latest developments in longitudinal modeling, offering you expert insights grounded in years of research and teaching.
Longitudinal Structural Equation Modeling (Methodology in the Social Sciences Series) book cover

by Todd D. Little, Noel A. Card··You?

2024·616 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Longitudinal Analysis, Bayesian SEM, Mixture Modeling, Missing Data

Drawing from decades of expertise in educational psychology and statistical methodology, Todd D. Little updates this edition to reflect significant advances in longitudinal structural equation modeling. You gain a thorough understanding of modeling within-person change over time through clear explanations of longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis, panel models, and hybrid approaches. New chapters guide you through handling missing data, mixture modeling, and Bayesian SEM, with practical examples like adolescent emotion studies and healthy aging. The book suits researchers and advanced students aiming to deepen their technical skills in analyzing complex longitudinal data structures.

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Best for applied SEM across disciplines
Understanding Structural Equation Modeling offers a thorough exploration of SEM principles and applications, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical usage. The authors present topics from simple statistical concepts to advanced modeling techniques, supplemented by guidance on IBM SPSS and Amos software to help you implement SEM in your own research. This manual is tailored to researchers across multiple disciplines, providing clarity on SEM processes such as model specification, estimation, and testing, while addressing real-world research challenges with accessible explanations.
2023·236 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Statistics, Research Methods, Path Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis

After decades of academic and practical experience, J.P. Verma and Priyam Verma crafted this manual to address the increasing need for clarity in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) across diverse research fields. The book methodically guides you through foundational concepts like variance and correlation before advancing to complex topics such as mediation, moderation, and confirmatory factor analysis. Notably, it integrates hands-on guidance for using IBM SPSS and Amos software, helping you translate theory into applied modeling. If your work spans psychology, business, or political science, this book equips you with the conceptual understanding and practical skills to apply SEM effectively in your research.

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Best for custom SEM updates
This AI-created book on structural equation modeling is crafted based on your background, skill level, and the specific SEM trends you want to explore. By focusing on the latest 2025 developments, it helps you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Tailoring the content to your interests means you get exactly the insights and knowledge you need without wading through unrelated material. This personalized approach makes keeping up with cutting-edge SEM both efficient and relevant to your unique goals.
2025·50-300 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Emerging Trends, Model Innovations, Longitudinal Analysis, Bayesian SEM

This tailored book explores emerging developments in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a sharp focus on your individual interests and background. It delves into the latest 2025 advances, examining cutting-edge techniques and newly discovered insights that redefine SEM applications across various research domains. By addressing trends relevant to your specific goals, it reveals how to stay at the forefront of this evolving field. Your personalized edition carefully matches content to your expertise and objectives, making complex innovations accessible and directly applicable to your work. This approach ensures a focused learning experience that highlights the newest SEM knowledge you need to navigate future challenges and opportunities confidently.

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This volume stands out by collecting the latest developments in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling from the 2022 conference at Babeș-Bolyai University. It offers a thorough presentation of methodological innovations alongside diverse applications across social science disciplines, including consumer behavior and organizational studies. By highlighting complementary methods and advanced model evaluation techniques, the book equips researchers with a broader and more nuanced approach to PLS-SEM. Those engaged in behavioral research or social sciences will find this resource valuable for staying current with emerging trends and improving their analytical frameworks.
2023·608 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, PLS-SEM, Methodological Extensions, Behavioral Research, Consumer Behavior

After analyzing numerous studies presented at the 2022 PLS-SEM conference, the authors compiled cutting-edge methodological advances and diverse applications of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. This book not only updates your statistical toolkit with new algorithms and evaluation metrics but also showcases how PLS-SEM is applied across social sciences fields like consumer behavior and organizational studies. You’ll gain insight into integrating complementary methods for richer analysis, with examples spanning hospitality to entrepreneurship. If you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of modern PLS-SEM and expand its practical use in research, this volume serves as a detailed guide tailored for advanced scholars and practitioners.

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Best for SEM software implementation experts
Structural Equation Modeling Using R/SAS offers a focused guide to integrating statistical theory with practical software application in the field of structural equation modeling. This book stands out by combining fundamental concepts with advanced methodologies, illustrated through publicly available data and clear instructions for R and SAS users. It serves as a valuable companion for applied statisticians, public health researchers, and data scientists aiming to deepen their analytical capabilities and handle complex models effectively. Its step-by-step approach addresses the growing need for accessible resources that marry theory with practice in modeling real-world data.
Structural Equation Modeling Using R/SAS book cover

by Ding-Geng Chen, Yiu-Fai Yung·You?

2023·428 pages·Structural Equation Modeling, Data Analysis, Statistical Theory, R Programming, SAS Programming

When Ding-Geng Chen and Yiu-Fai Yung set out to write this book, their goal was clear: to bridge the gap between complex structural equation modeling theory and practical application using R and SAS software. You’ll find detailed explanations of key models, from basics to advanced topics, paired with real datasets that clarify the process step-by-step. Particularly useful is their clear exposition on how to implement these models in widely used statistical tools, making it a solid resource if you’re working with applied statistics or data analytics. Whether you’re a graduate student, public health analyst, or data scientist, this book equips you with hands-on skills and conceptual understanding to tackle real-world data with confidence.

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Conclusion

This collection highlights three clear themes shaping SEM in 2025: the increasing complexity of multi-rater and longitudinal datasets, the diversification of modeling techniques including Partial Least Squares and component-based approaches, and the deep integration of statistical software for practical implementation. These trends suggest a future where SEM is not only more precise but also more accessible.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with Todd D. Little's work on longitudinal SEM for deep technical mastery. For cutting-edge implementation, combine Michael Eid’s guide on multi-rater data with Jonathan Sarwono’s comparative SEM methodologies. Each offers unique angles that, together, enrich your analytical toolkit.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Structural Equation Modeling book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve in Structural Equation Modeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Understanding Structural Equation Modeling" by J.P. and Priyam Verma. It offers clear foundational concepts and practical software guidance, making it an accessible entry point before exploring more specialized texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Structural Equation Modeling?

Not at all. For beginners, William Jenkins’ "Basic Manual for the use of EQS" provides straightforward, step-by-step instruction focused on practical application, ideal for building early confidence.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like the Verma manual, then advance to specialized areas such as multi-rater data by Eid et al., followed by longitudinal modeling in Todd Little’s book, and finally explore methodological extensions like Sarwono’s and the PLS-SEM volume.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on the newest books, as they reflect 2025 insights and software updates crucial for current research. These recent works balance theory with practical tools suited for today's analytic challenges.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Structural Equation Modeling of Multiple Rater Data" and Todd Little’s longitudinal modeling book lean toward theoretical depth, while Jenkins’ EQS manual and Chen & Yung’s R/SAS guide emphasize hands-on application.

How can I get tailored Structural Equation Modeling content that fits my specific needs?

Expert books provide solid foundations, but personalized content can adapt insights to your exact goals, skill level, and industry. Consider creating a personalized Structural Equation Modeling book to complement expert knowledge with customized strategies and updates.

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