L. Oygard et Ki. Klepp, INFLUENCES OF SOCIAL-GROUPS ON EATING PATTERNS - A STUDY AMONG YOUNG-ADULTS, Journal of behavioral medicine, 19(1), 1996, pp. 1-15
The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which socia
l groups influenced eating patterns among young adults, aged 23-26 yea
rs. The analyses are based on a study consisting of 703 individuals wi
th social groups being made up by parents, siblings, partners, friends
, and co-workers/fellow students. Perceived norms of social groups and
social attachment to these groups were measured. Demographic variable
s included education, income, marital status, and whether participants
had children. These variables were subsequently correlated with a foo
d frequency measure. The most influential social factor for predicting
eating patterns among young adults was perceived norms of partner Edu
cational level was also an important factor These results support the
Lifelong Openness Model which suggests that individuals remain open to
persuasion from socialization agents throughout life.