Development and Validation of Worksite Weight-Related Social Norms Surveys

Objective: To describe the development of measures of worksite descriptive social norms for weight loss, physical activity, and eating behaviors. Methods: Three surveys were tested in 844 public high school employees. Factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, and tests of association with other worksite social contextual measures and behaviors were performed. Results: Each survey demonstrated high internal consistency and was associated with measures of social support and behaviors. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the reliability of the weight-loss and eating-behavior norms surveys, but not the physical-activity norms survey. Conclusions: The weight-loss and eating norms surveys are reliable, valid measures.