Turning to adult research, social control is widely considered to be central to the link between social ties and health behavior. Control from network members has been associated with fewer unhealthy behaviors and more healthy behaviors (Berkman et al. 2000, Tucker 2002). Umberson (1992) finds that the most likely agent of social control changes over adulthood, from parent to partner to adult child. Marital partners, and other family members to a lesser extent, are the most frequent source of social control and have received the most research attention. Marital partners are especially likely to tell, remind, and threaten each other in an effort to influence health habits (Umberson 1992). For example, a spouse may threaten to divorce a partner who continues to drink heavily. Using a less heavy-handed approach, a spouse may point out symptoms that require medical attention, repeatedly urge the partner to see a doctor, make the medical appointment, and drive the partner to the appointment.
