Abstract
Social support is associated with improved psychological functioning, physical health, and health-promoting behaviors. However,
research suggests that health outcomes might depend upon the type rather than the amount of support provided to recipients.
This study assessed the relationship among nondirective and directive support, and health behaviors (i.e., physical activity,
fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol use) in a community sample of 304 adults. Results revealed that nondirective support was
related to greater fruit and vegetable intake and lower alcohol use; directive support was not associated with these behaviors.
For physical activity, a similar trend emerged, but support variables did not explain any variance above that explained by
demographic variables. These findings offer a unique contribution to the literature, as they suggest that certain types of
supportive behaviors are important in encouraging positive health behaviors.
research suggests that health outcomes might depend upon the type rather than the amount of support provided to recipients.
This study assessed the relationship among nondirective and directive support, and health behaviors (i.e., physical activity,
fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol use) in a community sample of 304 adults. Results revealed that nondirective support was
related to greater fruit and vegetable intake and lower alcohol use; directive support was not associated with these behaviors.
For physical activity, a similar trend emerged, but support variables did not explain any variance above that explained by
demographic variables. These findings offer a unique contribution to the literature, as they suggest that certain types of
supportive behaviors are important in encouraging positive health behaviors.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-011-9377-x
- Authors
- Diana W. Stewart, Department of Health Disparities Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St., Unit 1440, Houston, TX 77230, USA
- Jeanne M. Gabriele, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Psychology/Mental Health (11 M), 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr., Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Edwin B. Fisher, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 336A Rosenau Hall, Campus Box 7740, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715