Effects of a dyadic action control intervention on daily levels of received social support

Authors

  • C. Berli
  • U. Scholz

Abstract

Background: The role of social relationships for regulating health behavior has so far been rather neglected. Dyadic approaches to self-regulation may enhance positive social exchanges such as social support. Thus, this study investigated the effects of an individual and dyadic action control trial on daily levels of received social support in the context of physical activity. Methods: 117 overweight individuals and their partners were randomly allocated to one of four groups (dyadic vs. individual action control vs. two control). Participants completed end-of-day diaries on smartphones during 14 days of intervention and 14 days following intervention including measures of received practical and emotional social support from the partner. Findings: Both experimental groups reported significantly higher daily levels of emotional and practical received social support than control groups. Moreover, after the intervention social support levels were only decreased in control but not in experimental groups. Discussion: Overall, findings suggest that both an individual and dyadic action control intervention may encourage social support interactions in couples in the context of physical activity.

Published

2015-12-31

Issue

Section

Symposia