Assessing Social Network Influences on Adult Physical Activity Using Social Network Analysis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective Social network analysis (SNA) can measure social connectedness and assess impact of interpersonal connections on health behaviors, including physical activity (PA). This paper aims to systematically review adult PA studies using SNA to understand important social network concepts relative to PA. Data Source A search was performed using PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria To be included in the search, articles needed to 1) include a measure of PA, 2) conduct an SNA in which specific relationships were measured, and 3) conduct an analysis between social network measures and PA. Data Extraction Key study elements including network design and results were extracted. Data Synthesis Data were synthesized to answer 2 questions: 1) how has adult PA been investigated using SNA approaches and 2) how is an adult’s social network associated with PA behaviors? Results A final sample of 28 articles remained from an initial 11 085 articles. Network size, homophily, network composition, and network exposure to PA were all associated with individual level PA across studies. Lastly, longitudinal and intervention studies showed a more complex picture of social influence and diffusion of PA behavior. Conclusions Adults’ PA behaviors are influenced by their networks. Capitalizing on this influence, researchers should engage not just individual behavior change but also the social influences present within the person’s life.

Relationships between psychosocial well-being and leisure time physical activity among 160.000 young Finnish men: a cross-sectional study during 2015–2021

“…Some evidence exists on the role of friends in engagement in PA. According to systematic reviews, friends' PA levels have been seen to have a significant influence on an individual's PA level both for young people [50], and adults [51].…”

The impact of online health community engagement on lifestyle changes: A serially mediated model

“…Our study examines the impact of OHC engagement on healthy lifestyle changes, thus contributing to the OHC. Moreover, through constructing a serially mediated model, our study helps explain how OHC engagement leads to positive lifestyle changes, echoing the call from Prochnow and Patterson ( 4 ).…”

“…Although it is not easy to make healthy lifestyle changes for many, researchers have found that socially supportive conditions help promote positive lifestyle behavior changes ( 3 , 4 ). Based on social network theory, studies have suggested that maintaining a good lifestyle (such as moderately intense physical activity, a balanced diet) often requires supervision and encouragement from strong ties, which generally refer to friends or family members ( 5 , 6 ).…”

Cultivating an Active Living Plan Through a Social-Ecological Evaluation

“…54 Copious social network research suggests PA behaviors "spread" through social ties, with individuals reporting similar PA behaviors as their network members over time. 23,55 Furthermore, residents mentioned the need for group or family activities/resources to promote PA within the community. Engaging the whole family in activities not only is essential for child PA but also encourages active participation from the adults and often older adults in the family.…”

“…Then the participant was asked several questions regarding each person they listed (also termed “alter”). This procedure is common to egocentric network analysis 23,46–48. Participants were asked how often they thought each person was physically active (response options: never, sometimes, often), how often they were physically active with the person (response options: never, sometimes, often), and whether this person was supportive of their health goals (response options: never, rarely, sometimes, usually, always).…”