Social Norms and Dietary Behaviors among Young Adults

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between young adults' dietary behaviors and perceived social norms for healthy eating. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 1000 diverse college students. Associations between perceived behaviors of family, friends, and significant other and participants' dietary behaviors were examined using t-tests and linear regression. RESULTS: Young adults consumed more fast food if they perceived that their family, friends, or significant other did so (p < .003). Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was associated with perceived consumption by family and friends (p < .035). Fruit and vegetable consumption and dinner preparation were associated with perceived behavior of friends only (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Young adults' dietary behaviors appear to reflect their perceptions of normative behavior, particularly among friends.