The association between perceived social support and health behaviors in married couples: An actor-partner approach

General perceived social support is important because it is linked to significant health outcomes. Most research examining perceived social support and health behaviors has not formally modeled the influence of interdependence in a dyad. For the present study, an actor-partner model of individual differences in perceived social support within couples was used to examine dyadic associations with health behaviors. The sample was composed of 94 married heterosexual couples who reported their general perceived support, exercise, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality. Main results indicated that one's own general perceived support (actor influences) was related to better sleep quality and a partner's general level of perceived support was related to greater alcohol consumption. Although the study replicated prior work linking actor levels of perceived support on sleep quality, little evidence was found for dyadic influences of perceived support on health behaviors. Future research is required and should consider using different methods and measures, including how changes in one spouse due to external factors (e.g., health change) might result in larger effect sizes that better reflect the interpersonal nature of health behaviors.