Abstract
Objective: To examine the impact of health-related social control tactics on the physical activity behavior of college students. Participants: 110 undergraduates (74% women) recorded their naturalistic behavior across eight consecutive days between March and May of 2010. Methods: A short-term longitudinal daily diary survey examined daily self-reports of received health-related social control (the direct regulation of a target’s health behaviors by a social partner) and minutes engaged in physical activity. Results: Multilevel modeling according to a two-level structure in which observations (Level 1) were nested within individuals (Level 2) revealed that positive social control for exercise (e.g., encouragement) had a positive effect on physical activity participation, both within-persons (intra-individual level) and between-persons (inter-individual level). Negative social control (e.g., nagging) had no effect on physical activity participation. Conclusion: The present results suggest that individuals should employ positive social control tactics when attempting to enhance the physical activity behaviors of college students.
Highlights
Research has demonstrated many physical and mental health benefits from engaging in regular physical activity across the lifespan, including increased longevity, reduced risk for chronic illness, improved well-being, and enhanced cognitive functioning [1]
The present results suggest that individuals should employ positive social control tactics when attempting to enhance the physical activity behaviors of college students
A major contribution of the present study is the use of daily diary methods and multilevel modeling statistical techniques
Summary
Multilevel modeling according to a two-level structure in which observations (Level 1) were nested within individuals (Level 2) revealed that positive social control for exercise (e.g., encouragement) had a positive effect on physical activity participation, both within-persons (intraindividual level) and between-persons (inter-individual level). Negative social control (e.g., nagging) had no effect on physical activity participation
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