Which of the following best describes social influences?

The correct answer describes social influences as the various impacts that come from interpersonal relationships and social networks, particularly from family, peers, teachers, and employers. Social influences are integral in shaping behavior because they involve the interactions and relationships individuals have with others in their environment. These influences can motivate individuals, provide support, create expectations, and shape attitudes toward certain behaviors, particularly in contexts like exercise and health.

This understanding aligns with research in exercise psychology, emphasizing that social contexts play a vital role in encouraging or discouraging physical activity and lifestyle choices. The presence of supportive relationships or social norms can significantly impact an individual's likelihood to engage in exercise, making social influences a critical factor in behavior change and health promotion.

Other options do not capture the essence of social influences effectively. For example, factors that independently affect behavior overlook the relational aspect of social influences. Influences requiring formal training suggest a structured and formal context not usually inherent to informal social interactions. Lastly, influences dependent solely on individual choices fail to recognize the strong external factors that shape those choices through social connections. Hence, option C best encapsulates the multifaceted nature of social influences.