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Objectives: In this study, we summarize current evidence on learning health behaviors through modeling, thereby offering greater insight into the predictors of modeling's effectiveness on health behavior change. Methods: We searched 5 electronic bases (PubMed, ProQuest New Platform, EBSCOHost, ERIC, and ScienceDirect) drawing on articles from January 1986 to April 2018. In addition, we performed follow-up searches of unique citations from identified articles. Results: Overall, our search identified 3339 articles. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, we reviewed 20 qualifying articles across 4 conditions of role modeling: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation. Characteristics of role models and observers, use of technology to promote the modeling of health behavior, and use of peers as role models emerged as predictive factors related to attention; types of information and adherence to a specific timeframe were related to retention. Opportunity to practice a modeled health behavior and a specific timeframe to perform what was observed were key elements for motor reproduction. Support by significant others, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and policy incentives were predictive of sustained motivation. Conclusions: This review highlights several predictive factors in each situation in learning healthy behavior through role modeling. Identification and application of these factors may increase health behavior adoption.

Objective Emerging adulthood (EA) is an important yet overlooked period for developing long-term health behaviors. During these years, emerging adults adopt health behaviors that persist throughout life. This study applies the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction (IMBP) to examine the role of childhood parental communication in predicting engagement in healthful eating during EA. Methods Participants included 239 college students, ages 18 to 25, from a large university in the southern United States. Participants were recruited and data collection occurred spring 2012. Participants responded to measures to assess perceived parental communication, eating behaviors, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control over healthful eating. SEM and mediation analyses were used to address the hypotheses posited. Results Data demonstrated that perceived parent-child communication - specifically, its quality and target-specific content - significantly predicted emerging adults' eating behaviors, mediated through subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. Conclusion This study sets the stage for further exploration and understanding of different ways parental communication influences emerging adults' healthy behavior enactment.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of the "My Body Knows When" intuitive-eating (IE) program tailored to assist Fort Drum military spouses in rejecting the dieting mentality. METHODS Randomized prospective study (N = 61) evaluating dieting mentality and health indicators for a 10-week intervention based on 10 IE principles. The program was developed through the PRECEDE/PROCEED (PP) health promotion planning model. RESULTS The intuitive-eating program was able to significantly transition participants away from a dieting mentality (P < 0.015 posttest) towards intuitive-eating lifestyle behaviors. CONCLUSIONS IE is a holist approach to long-term healthy behavior change and would benefit from an extended support system to improve effectiveness.