BackgroundOmnipresent marketing of processed foods is a key driver of dietary choices and brand loyalty. Market data indicate a shift in food marketing expenditures to digital media, including social media. These platforms have greater potential to influence young people, given their unique peer-to-peer transmission and youths’ susceptibility to social pressures.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of images and videos posted by the most popular, energy-dense, nutrient-poor food and beverage brands on Instagram and the marketing strategies used in these images, including any healthy choice claims.MethodsA content analysis of 15 accounts was conducted, using 12 months of Instagram posts from March 15, 2015, to March 15, 2016. A pre-established hierarchical coding guide was used to identify the primary marketing strategy of each post.ResultsEach brand used 6 to 11 different marketing strategies in their Instagram accounts; however, they often adhered to an overall theme such as athleticism or relatable consumers. There was a high level of branding, although not necessarily product information on all accounts, and there were very few health claims.ConclusionsBrands are using social media platforms such as Instagram to market their products to a growing number of consumers, using a high frequency of targeted and curated posts that manipulate consumer emotions rather than present information about their products. Policy action is needed that better reflects the current media environment. Public health bodies also need to engage with emerging media platforms and develop compelling social counter-marketing campaigns.

No abstract

Background According to the ecological systems theory, the microsystems are important during the development process because they have direct effects on immediate and proximal factors that shape human development. The theory identifies the family as a microsystem that has profound influence on development since it is the immediate environment in which individuals live. This study explored the multiple mediation effect of perfectionism and altruistic behavior on the association between perceived parenting styles and mental health. Methods In this cross-sectional study, convenience cluster sampling was used, and the purpose was empirically examined by means of an online questionnaire survey. This study adopted the Demographic Questionnaire, short-form Egna Minnen Beträffande Uppfostran, Chinese Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Self-Reported Altruism Scale, and General Health Questionnaire to conduct measurements in 525 university students. Results The results of the correlation analysis revealed that perceived parenting styles were significantly correlated to perfectionism, altruistic behavior, and mental health. In addition, perfectionism and altruistic behavior were significantly correlated to mental health, while negative perfectionism was not correlated to altruistic behavior. The results of the structural equation model analysis indicated that parental rejection and emotional warmth had direct and significant effects on children’s mental health. Positive perfectionism and altruistic behavior not only played partial mediating roles between parental emotional warmth and children’s mental health but also exerted a chain multiple mediation effect. Altruistic behavior played a partial mediating role between positive perfectionism and mental health. Conclusion Therefore, parents should practice positive parenting styles such as parental emotional warmth toward their children to ensure that positive perfectionism and altruistic behavioral tendency improve mental health.

No abstract

Studying in universities is a crucial development stage for students, whose thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by interactions with their teachers and peers. This study explored the relationships between perceived teacher support and mental health as well as those between peer relationship and mental health among university students, and examined the mediating effects of reality and Internet altruistic behaviors on these relationships. Perceived teacher support questionnaire, peer relationship satisfaction questionnaire, self-reported altruism questionnaire, Internet altruistic behavior questionnaire, and general health questionnaire were administered to 553 university students. Results demonstrated that perceived teacher support and peer relationship positively predicted reality and Internet altruistic behaviors and positively predicted mental health. Reality and Internet altruistic behaviors positively predicted mental health and exerted significant mediating effects on the correlations between perceived teacher support and mental health as well as those between peer relationship and mental health. The male and female students differed insignificantly in the mediating effects of reality and Internet altruistic behaviors. Therefore, no matter for males or females, teachers should provide sufficient support for the students and establish favorable relationships with them. Friendly relationships, comfort, and active communication among peer students are also essential for creating a healthy and harmonious interaction environment. Those various factors of the school have impacts on the mental health of university students through their altruistic behaviors. This study suggests that further emphasis on teacher support and peer relationship is needed to promote the positive development of altruistic behaviors among university students, and ultimately provide a viable contribution to the university students’ mental health interventions.