Multi Dyad Project

While it’s well known that physical activity is crucial for maintaining health and well-being, many individuals struggle to meet recommended activity levels despite understanding its benefits. Research has mainly focused on the individual when it comes to health behaviours. However, recent studies highlight the significant role that our social relationships play. Close others may help us stay physically active by providing social support, or when needed, social control. For instance, a partner might encourage a healthy diet or a friend might advocate for regular exercise, both of which can significantly sway one’s health behaviours. However, so far little is known about how different relationships, such as those between romantic partners, friends, and family members, differ in terms of these social exchange processes. The Multi Dyad Project seeks to uncover how these different types of close relationships impact our health behaviours, particularly physical activity. 

Our project specifically investigates how these influences function within different types of dyadic relationships—romantic couples, best friends, and parent-child pairs. We aim to understand how often and with what intensity these groups use social support and control, and how these interactions affect physical activity levels. The study will employ longitudinal analyses to assess these dynamics over time, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of these social exchanges.

The findings from the Multi Dyad Project could have profound implications for designing more effective health promotion interventions that leverage the power of close relationships to foster better health outcomes. By recognizing the unique roles different relationships play in health behaviour change, we can tailor interventions that harness these dynamics to improve individual and public health.