Title
Exploring Romantic Partners’ Influence on Weight- and Diet-Related Health Behaviors: A Review of the Theory and Empirical Findings
Proposal Focus
Research
Presentation Type
Presentation
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this empirical and theoretical review was to investigate how romantic partners influence their significant others’ weight- and diet-related behaviors and to identify effective and ineffective tactics used in romantic relationships to promote behavior changes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to locate relevant studies, and a total of 11 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review based on the inclusion criteria. Results: Empirical findings indicated positive communication messages are effective in promoting partners’ health behaviors whereas negative tactics are not as effective. The negative messages may lead to harmful consequences including the development of disordered eating behaviors, body image dissatisfaction, and self-doubt. Social control, social support, confirmation, and social comparison theory emerged in this area of research. Conclusions: This review identifies romantic partners’ influence on their significant others’ weight- and diet-related behaviors and pinpoints the existing research gap in this area of study.
Keywords
romantic relationships, health behaviors, literature review, well-being
Location
Wyndsor II
Start Date
3-4-2020 2:05 PM
End Date
3-4-2020 3:15 PM
Exploring Romantic Partners’ Influence on Weight- and Diet-Related Health Behaviors: A Review of the Theory and Empirical Findings
Wyndsor II
Objective: The aim of this empirical and theoretical review was to investigate how romantic partners influence their significant others’ weight- and diet-related behaviors and to identify effective and ineffective tactics used in romantic relationships to promote behavior changes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to locate relevant studies, and a total of 11 peer-reviewed articles were included in this review based on the inclusion criteria. Results: Empirical findings indicated positive communication messages are effective in promoting partners’ health behaviors whereas negative tactics are not as effective. The negative messages may lead to harmful consequences including the development of disordered eating behaviors, body image dissatisfaction, and self-doubt. Social control, social support, confirmation, and social comparison theory emerged in this area of research. Conclusions: This review identifies romantic partners’ influence on their significant others’ weight- and diet-related behaviors and pinpoints the existing research gap in this area of study.