IS SOCIAL SUPPORT BENEFICIAL FOR DIETARY CHANGE - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

It is often assumed that support from others in the environment is ben eficial for persons attempting to make health behavior changes, includ ing dietary change. However, many questions remain unanswered about th e actual effects of social support on people's abilities to change the ir diets and the best methods for increasing support for dietary chang e. This review outlines the possible ways that social support may have an effect on dietary change, identifies which groups benefit from wha t types or sources of support, and assesses whether negative effects a re associated with support provided for dietary change. Strategies for increasing social support, as well as guidelines for the inclusion of support in dietary change interventions, are also presented.