Social norms and dietary behaviors among young adults

In this cross-sectional study by Pelletier et al. (2014), the authors investigated whether the social cues of healthy eating had any influence on the dietary choices adopted by young adults. A sample of 1000 college students was evaluated for their dietary choices and behavioral perception linked to their friends, family, or significant others, revealing intriguing associations. Firstly, young adults were found to consume more sugar-sweetened beverages if they recognized their family and friends doing so, while fast food consumption was increased with the recognition of family, friends, or significant others that partook in consuming fast food. On the other hand, cooking dinner and eating fruits and vegetables were linked to perceiving similar behaviors in friends. The authors conclude that the dietary habits of young adults are influenced by what they perceive as normal behavior among their social circles, particularly their friends. [NPID: Young adults, nutrition, social norms, dietary behaviors]

Year: 2014

Reference: Pelletier, J. E., Graham, D. J., & Laska, M. N. (2014). Social norms and dietary behaviors among young adults. American journal of health behavior, 38(1), 144–152. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.38.1.15

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