"Hidden" social networks in behavior change interventions

Am J Public Health. 2015 Mar;105(3):513-6. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302399. Epub 2015 Jan 20.

Abstract

We investigated whether "hidden" (or unobserved) social networks were evident in a 2011 physical activity behavior change intervention in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Results showed evidence of unobserved social networks in the intervention and illustrated how the network evolved over short periods and affected behavior. Behavior change interventions should account for the interaction among participants (i.e., social networks) and how such interactions affect intervention outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Northern Ireland
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Support*
  • Sociometric Techniques*