The relationship between health regulatory focus and health behaviors of young adults in Japan

Abstract

This study investigated the health regulatory focus (i.e., promotion focus and prevention focus) and its relationship with health behaviors (specifically diet and exercise) among young adults in Japan. A sample of 268 young Japanese adults aged 18―24 years participated in the study. They completed a set of questionnaires, which included the Health Regulatory Focus Scale and items assessing the type and frequency of their health behaviors. Results indicated that a promotion focus was positively correlated with health behaviors, while a prevention focus showed no significant correlation. Further, categorizing health behaviors revealed that descriptions of vegetable intake and activities such as walking and muscle training were particularly prominent among young adults. These findings lead to a discussion on recommendations for future health promotion strategies for young adults.