Predictors of Tanning Salon Use

Abstract

This study investigated cognitive predictors of tanning salon use, based on Jaccard’s Theory of Alternative Behavior. A total of 164 undergraduates completed questionnaires that assessed tanning salon use, attitudes toward tanning salon use and attitudes toward behavioral alternatives for enhancing appearance, relaxing and socializing. Results indicated that attitudes toward alternatives for enhancing appearance were not significantly related to tanning salon use. However, favorable attitudes toward engaging in a hobby to relax and going to the gym to socialize were inversely related to frequency of tanning salon use. Findings suggest that interventions for reducing skin cancer risk should focus not only on decreasing favorable attitudes toward tanning, but also on increasing favorable attitudes toward healthier alternatives to tanning salon use.

Keywords

artificial tanning devices attitudes indoor tanning skin cancer tanning salons

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

American Cancer Society . (2004). Cancer facts and figures 2004. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society .

Amir, Z. , Wright, A. , Kernohan, E. E. , & Hart, G. (2000). Attitudes, beliefs and behaviour regarding the use of sunbeds amongst healthcare workers in Bradford . European Journal of Cancer Care, 9, 76-79 .

Arthey, S. , & Clarke, V. A. (1995). Suntanning and sun protection: A review of the psychological literature . Social Science and Medicine, 40, 265-274 .

Beasley, T. M. , & Kittel, B. S. (1997). Factors that influence health risk behaviors among tanning salon patrons . Evaluation and the Health Professions, 20, 371-388 .

Cokkinides, V. E. , Weinstock, M. A. , O’Connell, M. C. , & Thun, M. J. (2002). Use of indoor tanning sunlamps by US youth, ages 11-18 years, and by their parent or guardian caregivers: Prevalence and correlates . Pediatrics, 109, 1124-1130 .

Feldman, S. R. , Liguori, A. , Kucenic, M. , Rapp, S. R. , Fleischer, A. B. , Lang, W. , & Kaur, M. (2004). Ultra-violet exposure is a reinforcing stimulus in frequent indoor tanners . Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 51, 45-51 .

Geller, A. C. , Colditz, G. , Oliveria, S. , Emmons, K. , Jorgensen, C. , Aweh, G. N. et al. (2002). Use of sunscreen, sunburning rates, and tanning bed use among more than 10,000 US children and adolescents . Pediatrics, 109, 1009-1014 .

Hillhouse, J. J. , Stair, A. W. , & Adler, C. M. (1996). Predictors of sunbathing and sunscreen use in college undergraduates . Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 19, 543-561 .

Hillhouse, J. , Turrisi, R. , Holwiski, F. , & McVeigh, S. (1999). An examination of psychological variables relevant to artificial tanning tendencies . Journal of Health Psychology, 4, 507-516 .

10.

Hillhouse, J. J. , Turrisi, R. , & Kastner, M. (2000). Modeling tanning salon behavioral tendencies using appearance motivation, self-monitoring and the theory of planned behavior . Health Education Research, 15, 405-414 .

11.

Jaccard, J. (1981). Attitudes and behavior: Implications for attitudes toward behavioral alternatives . Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 17, 286-307 .

12.

Karagas, M. R. , Stannard, V. A. , Mott, L. A. , Slattery, M. , Spencer, S. K. , & Weinstock, M. A. (2002). Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers . Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 94, 224-226 .

13.

Kuczynski, A. (2004). For tans, it’s sprays vs. rays . New York Times, 13 June, p. ST1 .

14.

Mahler, H. I. M. , Kulik, J. A. , Gibbons, F. X. , Gerrard, M. , & Harrell, J. (2003). Effects of appearance-based interventions on sun protection intentions and self-reported behaviors . Health Psychology, 22, 199-209 .

15.

Oliphant, J. A. , Forster, J. L. , & McBride, C. M. (1994). The use of commercial tanning facilities by suburban Minnesota adolescents . American Journal of Public Health, 84, 476-478 .

16.

Rhainds, M. , DeGuire, L. , & Claveau, J. (1999). A population-based survey on the use of artificial tanning devices in the Province of Quebec, Canada . Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 40, 572-576 .

17.

Swerdlow, A. J. , & Weinstock, M. A. (1998). Do tanning lamps cause melanoma? An epidemiologic assessment . Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 38, 89-98 .

18.

Veierød, M. B. , Weiderpass, E. , Thorn, M. , Hansson, J. , Lund, E. , Armstrong, B. et al. (2003). A prospective study of pigmentation, sun exposure, and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma in women . Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 95, 1530-1538 .

19.

Wichstrøm, L. (1994). Predictors of Norwegian adolescents’ sunbathing and use of sunscreen . Health Psychology, 13, 412-420 .