The role of weighting adjustment for attrition in longitudinal trajectory modeling: a simulation study

Most longitudinal surveys construct weights and release wave-specific weights to adjust for attrition. However, there is no clear consensus in the literature on whether or how to apply weights in longitudinal trajectory modeling. We present a simulation study, motivated by a real-life longitudinal study of substance use, and consider different missing data mechanisms, weight construction processes, and specifications of substantive models of interest. Based on the results of the simulation study, we provide practical recommendations for analysts of longitudinal survey data with respect to weighting approaches that should be considered in alternative scenarios.