Table 4 Testing for affiliated stigma as a mediator using the four steps of Baron and Kenny

Step 1

 Outcome: caregivers’ burden

 Predictor: caregivers’ involvement

0.03

0.02 – 0.03

<0.001

Step 2

 Outcome: Caregivers’ involvement

 Predictor: Affiliated stigma

15.97

14.09 – 17.85

<0.001

Step 3 a (Multivariate regression while controlling for social demographics)

 Outcome: Caregivers’ burden

 Predictor: Caregivers’ involvement

0.03

0.02 – 0.03

<0.001

Step 3b (Multivariate regression while controlling for social demographics)

 Outcome: Caregivers’ burden

 Mediator: Affiliated stigma

0.40

0.32 – 0.47

<0.001

 Predictor: Caregivers’ involvement

0.02

0.01 – 0.02

<0.001