Innovation in the Longitudinal Assessment of Economic Perceptions in Universities

2026-08-22T23:54:52+00:00

Context. Perceived inflation (INF) and subjective socioeconomic status (PSS) shape university students' experiences in economically volatile contexts.

Problem. Most studies rely on cross-sectional designs, limiting the understanding of temporal dynamics and individual change trajectories. How do these constructs evolve longitudinally among university students, and how does objective socioeconomic status (SES) condition their trajectories?

Purpose. This study examines the temporal dynamics of INF and PSS through a parallel latent growth curve model, generating multidisciplinary knowledge aligned with the OECD Oslo Manual and the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 10.

Methodology. A longitudinal study was conducted during the January–June 2026 semester at the Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA), Mexico, with 500 university students over 16 weeks (five waves). A Conditional Parallel Latent Growth Curve Model (MLR, FIML) was estimated, incorporating SES as an exogenous predictor of intercepts and slopes.

Findings. Theoretical findings (Scientia): INF increased linearly: μₛ = 0.658, p < .001; while PSS decreased linearly: μₛ = -0.862, p < .001; with significant variability in both slopes: σ² = 0.038 (INF) and σ² = 0.045 (PSS). SES was positively associated with the baseline level of PSS: β = 0.710, p < .001; but, paradoxically, negatively predicted its slope: β = -0.105, p = .002. The model showed marginal fit: CFI = 0.945, TLI = 0.938, RMSEA = 0.066 (90% CI: 0.059–0.073), SRMR = 0.050. SES explained 50.4% of the initial variance of PSS (R² = 0.504), but only 8.2% of its slope (R² = 0.082). Practical finding (Praxis): The results supported longitudinal monitoring and differentiated support based on students’ trajectories of economic perceptions and subjective socioeconomic status.

Originality. The research integrates economic psychology, longitudinal econometrics, and educational policy through a methodological innovation based on a parallel LGCM; the application of a longitudinal monitoring and analysis method aligns with the process innovation guidelines of the Oslo Manual.

Conclusions and limitations. The model shows marginal fit, suggesting the need to incorporate time-varying covariates in future multidisciplinary studies.

Scientia et PRAXIS

Innovation in the Longitudinal Assessment of Economic Perceptions in Universities