Prediction of health behaviours of users of online weight control communities: the effects of social support, and social connectedness
by Chen Ling; Paul Branscum; Xiaoqian Wang
International Journal of Web Based Communities (IJWBC), Vol. 11, No. 3/4, 2015

Abstract: Among noted technological advancements in past decades, social networks, defined as an environment and means of socialising, have expanded from the physical world to a virtual one on the internet. Online social networks can be utilised for virtually any purpose, however one common use has been for health promotion. The objective of this study was to understand how social support and social connectedness offered by online social networks influence its members' behaviours related towards weight maintenance. Overall, 216 users of online weight control social networks completed a valid and reliable survey evaluating perceived social support (emotional support, appraisal support, information support, instrumental support) and social connectedness (duration of use, frequency of use, and homogeneity) towards the online community. Using multiple regression models, constructs were then regressed on five weight-control behaviours (i.e., fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity). Result showed that all factors, except appraisal and instrumental support, significantly influenced one or more of the weight-control behaviours. In particular, behaviours were positively related to the length of time an individual accessed the community and the amount of interactions they had with community members. Additionally, emotional and information support positively affected an individuals weight management behaviours. Implications for future research and practice are presented.

Online publication date: Thu, 01-Oct-2015

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Web Based Communities (IJWBC):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com