Examining Interpersonal Relationship Factors That Influence D ...

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Abstract

Interpersonal relationships (e.g., family and friends) are vital predictors of adolescents’ eating habits, exercise activity, and health problems, including obesity. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of interpersonal relationship factors such as parental frequency of meals, parental control over food decisions, and family cohesion that play a role in shaping eating patterns and physical activity among African American adolescents. Data were drawn from Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a nationally representative sample of all adolescents in the grades seven to twelve in the United States who were surveyed from 1994 through 2008. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of parental influences on adolescents dietary and physical activity behaviors among those who identified as African American (n = 1,619). Results revealed that parental factors such as family engagement, parental presence during meals, and sports participation had a direct effect on adolescents dietary and physical activity behaviors. Family-based interventions combined with health education to promote daily family engagement, family support during meals, and family cohesion are imperative for the entire family and should focus on increasing healthy eating and physical activity behaviors among adolescents.