An Egocentric Network Analysis of Remote and In-Person Social Support and Physical Activity

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Social Science

Background:

• Physical inactivity is a global health concern.
• Social support is recognized as a factor influencing physical activity.
• The specific types and settings of social support associated with physical activity remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different types and settings of social support and physical activity levels.
• To determine which components of social support networks (seeking, receiving, reciprocating, satisfaction, in-person, remote) are most strongly related to physical activity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey collected data from 201 participants on their physical activity minutes per week and social support characteristics.
• Social support network composition was calculated by averaging frequencies of seeking, receiving, reciprocating, satisfaction, and in-person/remote settings for all nominated supporters.
• Five regression models were employed to analyze the relationship between social support network compositions and physical activity levels.

Main Results:

• Only the emotional support model was statistically significant (R2 = .39, P < .001).
• Receiving less emotional support (b = -156.33, SE = 74.63) and reciprocating more emotional support (b = 116.25, SE = 53.08) were significantly associated with physical activity levels.
• The in-person setting for emotional support showed a significant association with physical activity (b = -163.11, SE = 53.57).

Conclusions:

• Physical activity is associated with receiving less emotional support but reciprocating more emotional support.
• The in-person nature of emotional support appears to have a complex relationship with physical activity, warranting further investigation into causality and directionality.