SOCIAL NETWORKS AND THE HEALTH OF YOUNG ADULTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18554/Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social environmental variables, selected health behaviors, and health status in young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was used to elicit information from randomly selected participants about their levels of physical activity, health status, social networks, and social support. Results: In a total of 938 participants, network variables were not directly associated with good health. Satisfaction with support received from friends and family were the only two social support variables directly associated with good health. Conclusions: Participants’ satisfaction with support received from either family or friends was particularly important to good health, suggesting that the provision of social support alone may not be sufficient to improve the health of young adults.
Descriptors: Social Networking, Young Adult, Health Status
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