Interactions with other people that provide social support or create barriers to healthy behavior are known as what?

Interactions with other people that provide social support or create barriers to healthy behavior are best understood within the context of interpersonal factors. This concept emphasizes how the relationships and interactions one has with others influence health behaviors and outcomes. For instance, support from friends and family can encourage individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, while negative influences or social isolation can hinder positive health behaviors.

Interpersonal factors consider how communication, emotional support, and social networks contribute significantly to health decisions and practices. In contrast, community norms pertain to shared beliefs and values held by a community, social structures focus on the organized patterns in society that affect behavior (like institutions), and individual relationships are more specific to personal connections without the broader implications of social support or barriers to health. Understanding interpersonal factors is crucial for public health initiatives aiming to enhance well-being and promote healthier choices in the community.