Multiple group identifications and physical activity: influence of norms

Abstract The social cure perspective emphasizes the importance of social identification and connectedness for health and well-being (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010; Jetten et al., 2012). While previous research has examined how specific social identities influence health behaviours through social norms (Tarrant et al., 2012), the role of multiple group identifications remains under-explored (Sani et al., 2015). This study investigates the relationship between multiple group identifications and physical activity, as an addition to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) as a theoretical framework. A total of 345 first-year Belgian university students completed an online survey assessing the social groups they identify with (e.g., family, study friends, flatmates, activity groups) and their physical activity behaviours and intentions. Additional measures included attitudes toward physical activity, perceived behavioural control, and both general and group-specific norms. Identification with a higher number of groups was significantly associated with more regular physical activity (B = 0.166, p = .006, OR ≈ 1.18) and stronger intentions to be physically active (B = 0.264, p < .001, R² = .038). While the TPB model was supported by the data, the number of groups identified with does not directly affect intention for physical activity significantly (β = 0.0805, p = 0.1572) but indirectly influences intention (total effect: β = 0.2641, p = 0.0003) through significant positive effects on attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Global norms are linked to group-specific norms (r = 0.646, p < 0.001), but adding identification does not improve the model (r = 0.580, p < 0.001). These findings support the relevance of the social cure framework in understanding the social underpinnings of health behaviours. Specifically, they highlight the positive role of multiple group identifications in promoting physical activity, a key behaviour for health and well-being. Key messages • Multiple group identifications boost physical activity and intentions, supporting the Theory of Planned Behaviour. • Social identification is key for promoting health behaviours, highlighting the importance of connectedness for well-being.