Social Influences on Nutrition Choices
Rachel Iverson, DPD Student, Leah Miller, DPD Student, Monica Belsaas, DPD Student, Ardith Brunt, PhD, RD
North Dakota State University
NDSU
Abstract
Social pressures play a large role in food selection. When
selecting food within a group, individuals are likely to choose
the same foods that others choose, disregarding nutritional
value. Assessment of a local gaming community found that
nutrition imbalances were directly related to members’
perception of what others thought of their food choices. The
purpose of this program was to inform participants about the
influences of social interaction on their food selection and to
provide social support for members desiring to make more
nutritious choices. The Theory of Planned Behavior guided
our program objectives. The program focused on the strong
social pressures of others on food choice; moreover, we
discussed the consequences of diets that are high in sugar,
sodium and calories. Education on nutrition was included, but
the program focused on social education, and opening
communication between participants. Program evaluation was
completed by asking member of the community to sign a
contract supporting peers food selections, and to complete a
survey with questions regarding their feelings on the new
social comfort level in their community. All participants
agreed to support their peers’ food selection decisions and to
feel comfortable in making healthier snack choices
demonstrating that nutritional education can impact social
interaction related to food selection. In summary providing
nutrition programming that improves the skills of the entire
community and enlists their social support to make changes
will be more likely to result in behavior change.
Context
• Expected social consequences kept population members
from choosing nutritious snacks.
• Population members who expressed a desire to bring
nutritious snacks felt they would be ostracized from the
group.
Research Purpose
The purpose of this intervention is for Paradox Gaming Group
members to leave this intervention with the knowledge on how
to choose healthier snacks and feel comfortable bringing
healthier snacks to the gaming session.
Results
Assessment
Participants
• Members of the Paradox Gaming Group, Fargo, ND
NDSU
Figure 1
Outcome objectives and results of community intervention
Figure 2
“Drive Thru Done Better” Cards
Experimental Measure
• Pre-intervention participant survey
• Food Frequency
• Post-intervention participant survey
Hypothesis: Social influence is the main nutritional
problem in our population
• Expectation of a negative response to a healthy food.
• The lack of availability of nutrient dense snacks.
• The expectation of sharing snacks with other members.
Outcome Objectives
1. 75% of the population who attend the intervention will
report that they feel comfortable bringing a nutritious
snack to the next meeting.
2. 75% of the population who attend the intervention will
sign a contract o support each other's nutritious decisions
by the end of the intervention.
3. 75% of the population who attend the intervention will
report that they feel comfortable choosing healthy snack
options by the end of the intervention.
Social Support Nutrition Contract Survey
Did you Sign the Nutrition Support contract?
_______ Yes ______No
Do you now feel comfortable bringing healthy snacks to Gaming meetings?
______Yes _______No
Community Intervention
• Gave a short presentation of survey findings
• Explained what to look for in a healthy snack and handed out the “Healthy Snacks” grocery list
• Explained what to look for in a healthy meal and handed out “Drive Thru Done Better” card
• Presented samples of Healthy Snacks to group
• Summarized key points and participants completed a Post-Intervention Survey
Social Support Nutrition Contract
Based on an awareness of my personal, and my community’s health status, I
_________________________________(name), have decided to follow these health behavior improvement goals. I
will bring a nutritious snack to a gaming session within the next month. I will encourage others to bring nutritious
snacks. I will not engage in any friendly teasing of others who are trying to make healthy choices. By signing this I am
committing to make my community a more health friendly atmosphere.
Sign___________________________ Date___________
Conclusions
Implications
• Paradox Gaming Group members gained knowledge about healthy snack options available
• Members expressed willingness to encourage each other to eat nutrient dense snacks.
• Members are now pushing for healthy snacks to be sold where they have gaming sessions.
• Education on social pressures can influence nutritional status of community
members.
• Open communication between community members about social pressure can
positively influence nutrition status.
• More research needs to be done on social psychology and its influence on nutritional
choices.