Modeling cumulative count variables (0,1,2,3) in lavaan with WLSMV

[ahmad valikhani]

Hi,

I have two observed endogenous variables in my model—a mediator and an outcome—both measured as cumulative counts (e.g., number of medical conditions: 0, 1, 2, 3). Is it appropriate to model these variables in lavaan using the WLSMV estimator by specifying them in the ordered argument, or should they instead be treated as count variables following a Poisson distribution, which lavaan cannot directly estimate?

Best,

A