Discrete-time survival analysis (DTSA) is a method widely used by social and behavioral researchers as it aids in the exploration of patterns in time-to-event measures. However, the traditional DTSA models often fail to adequately represent the structured dynamics of hazardous processes. This study introduces structural DTSA, an alternative approach that extends traditional DTSA by incorporating functional forms of hazard changes. With structural DTSA, a reparameterization of the functional forms is also possible for more meaningful interpretations of the results of time-to-event data analyses. This study aims to provide a detailed tutorial on structured DTSA, demonstrating its applicability in social and behavioral research. Henceforth, we demonstrate the application of structured DTSA using data on smoking initiation from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997 (NLSY97). These findings highlight the potential of structured DTSA for various developmental studies.

- Author (Pusan National University): Kejin Lee (Department of Education)

- Title of original paper: Discrete-Time Survival Analysis Incorporating Time Structure in Developmental Research

- Journal: Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal

- Web link: https://doi.org/10.1080/10705511.2024.2432598 

- Contact e-mail: kejin@pusan.ac.kr