Navigating family dynamics in the transition to a plant-forward diet: the role of social support

While sustainable diets have predominantly been examined through the lens of individual decision-making, growing evidence underscores the critical role of relational dynamics in the adoption and maintenance of such practices. This study examined the role of <i>relational climate</i> (i.e. cohesion and flexibility) in governing how family units navigate dietary change. Eighty-four individuals who were pursuing a plant-forward diet participated in a 14-day smartphone-based experience sampling study, where they provided qualitative diary entries and quantitative ratings of food consumption, family support, coordination, and tension. Baseline, out-take, and 2-week follow-up surveys investigated the moderating effects of relational climate, as well as change in food consumption, dietary "stage of change," goal achievement and commitment. Participants from <i>balanced cohesive</i> family systems reported receiving more support in their dietary goal, which in turn, was related to lower animal-product consumption and greater goal achievement and commitment. This work highlights the importance of family-based social support for bolstering more sustainable eating practices and offers novel insights for engaging household systems in the transition toward a greener food system.