Needed and Received Social Support As Predictors of Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity Among First-Year Undergraduates

In an intensive longitudinal study (N=235), we investigated whether higher levels of social support (from family, friends, romantic partners, and/or roommates) are associated with healthier dietary and exercise behaviors among first-year undergraduates. Results of multilevel analyses indicate received social support positively—and needed social support negatively—predicts healthy eating/exercise.