Your mother might be a better health influencer than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

A recent study found that adults who looked to someone they knew personally as a role model for good health, such as a friend, family member, or healthcare provider, were more motivated to achieve their health goals than those who looked up to celebrities. Female participants were more likely than males to choose a personal role model over a celebrity. Many of the female participants named their mothers as their most frequent choice.

“We know that parents have a huge influence on shaping people’s health trajectories throughout their life just by teaching them about physical fitness and nutrition,” said the lead author Nicole O’Donnell, a Washington State University communications researcher. “As this research shows, parents’ influence does matter, and it’s long-lasting, even well into adulthood.”

For this study, which was published in Health Communication, researchers surveyed 404 adults who were health role models. The participants answered questions about their chosen role model and motivation to improve their physical and mental health.

The findings revealed that “perceived similarity” was one of the biggest reasons for choosing a role model. That may be why the majority, about 64%, picked a family member, peer or acquaintance. 

“If you see a friend get a gym membership or decide to run a half marathon, you’re able to follow their journey, and you also have similar resources to do t

The women in the study were also about 2.5 times more likely to choose a personal role model than men, though many participants of both genders still chose celebrities. Among all celebrity role models, the most often selected was The Rock, followed by LeBron James, Tom Brady and Michelle Obama.

When asked about their role models, respondents still chose celebrities. The Rock was the most frequently chosen celebrity role model, followed by LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Michelle Obama. Personal role models had a stronger influence than celebrity role models, according to the author.

It has been noted that celebrity role models also positively impact motivation. How they talk about health is critical, as O’Donnell pointed out. “When celebrities and influencers discuss health, it’s important for them also to share their challenges and how they overcame them.”

The research also revealed that social media had an amplifying effect.

“Also, our research revealed that social media has an amplifying effect. According to co-author Christina Nickerson, a WSU doctoral candidate, “Our results found that following any kind of role model on social media can boost your motivation. This demonstrates the potential benefits of considering who your role model is and who you want to be.”

“Also, our research revealed that social media has an amplifying effect. According to co-author Christina Nickerson, a WSU doctoral candidate, “Our results found that following any role model on social media can boost your motivation. This demonstrates the potential benefits of considering who your role model is and who you want to be.”

“Look to those around for people who inspire you,” O’Donnell advised. “It’s a form of social support that we often overlook because we think of role models as something for kids. But this study, along with others, has shown that role models are important across the person’s lifespan, so we should seek them out.”