The Social Cognitive Theory of Bandura proposes that both personal and social factors interact to influence heath behaviors (Bandura, 2011). Understanding the health behaviors among young adults is necessary regarding the future of quality of life for young adults. A longitudinal study conducted by Kelder and colleagues provided evidence that health behavior and dietary habits are acquired in childhood and continue into adulthood (Kelder et al., 1994). The earlier young adults intervene in healthy health behaviors, the more likely those practices will transmit into adulthood. Parents are …show more content…
Previous studies have highlighted the important role of parental control on eating attitudes and healthy behaviors – such as physical activity – of their children. As stated by Larson and Story (2009), children learn their health habits and preferences from learning and observing their parents (Larson & Story, 2009). Food habits and healthy behaviors, such as exercise, do not happen in one day or out of the blue. Parents shape the development, preferences, and attitudes of children’s health behaviors by the foods they make accessible and eating styles and behavior through mealtime (Scaglioni et al.,