Indirect effects refer to the secondary or unintended consequences of a particular intervention, action, or event. In research, indirect effects are often studied to understand the complex interactions and relationships between different variables or factors. These effects can be both positive and negative, and may impact various aspects of a system or environment. Researchers may use statistical models or analyses to examine indirect effects and determine their significance in a study. Understanding indirect effects can provide valuable insights into the broader implications of a particular intervention or phenomenon.