The relationship of social ties to health behavior is studied in this
paper. The general hypothesis tested is that those with social relatio
nships are more likely to avoid health damaging behavior. Patterns reg
arding specific social ties and particular health behaviors are examin
ed. Findings indicate the relationships of spouse, organization member
, and friend are related to preventive health behavior; spouses are le
ss likely smokers, drinkers, and heavy drinkers. friend relationship i
s related to decreased smoking behavior, while the employee relationsh
ip is related to increased drinking. A consistent predictor of health
behaviors is the social tie of organization member. People with relati
onships as organization members are more likely always to wear seat be
lts, smoke and drink less, and consume lower amounts of these substanc
es.