Health-Related Social Control Influences the Physical Activity of College Students

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 (intraindividual 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.