The status associated with health habits probably becomes less important in adulthood, but it does not disappear. For example, fit body norms may motivate adults to stay trim (Ross & Wu 1995), and the symbolic meanings of sociability and celebration attached to alcohol consumption make it difficult to avoid drinking even for those who wish to do so (Paton-Simpson 2001). A focus on meaning may be especially relevant in explaining apparent health behavior contagion across social networks, such as the spread of obesity within social networks (Smith & Christakis 2008). For example, as the social meanings attached to smoking or overweight status change, they may influence network members’ propensity to engage in certain behaviors—for better or worse.
