Values, Norms, and Peer Effects on Weight Status

J Obes. 2017:2017:2849674. doi: 10.1155/2017/2849674. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Abstract

This study uses data from the European Social Survey in order to test the Prinstein-Dodge hypothesis that posits that peer effects may be larger in collectivistic than in individualistic societies. When defining individualism and collectivism at the country level, our results show that peer effects on obesity are indeed larger in collectivistic than in individualistic societies. However, when defining individualism and collectivism with individual values based on the Shalom Schwartz universal values theory, we find little support for this hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Body Mass Index
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / psychology*
  • Peer Influence*
  • Social Norms*
  • Social Values*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult