The relationship between skin tone dissatisfaction and sun tanning behaviour
Date
2014
Authors
Prichard, I.
Kneebone, A.
Hutchinson, A.
Wilson, C.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Australian Journal of Psychology, 2014; 66(3):168-174
Statement of Responsibility
Ivanka Prichard, Anna Kneebone, Amanda D. Hutchinson, and Carlene Wilson
Conference Name
Abstract
Understanding the factors that contribute to sun exposure is vital for skin cancer prevention. The present study aimed to examine the utility of a new measure for cancer prevention research, the Skin Tone Rating Scale. Australian undergraduate women (N = 156) completed an online questionnaire measuring skin tone dissatisfaction, peer and media norms surrounding tanning, internalisation of a tanned ideal, appearance reasons for tanning, and self-reported tanning behaviour. The two-item Skin Tone Rating Scale provided a short and easy-to-administer measure of skin tone dissatisfaction that correlated with self-reported tanning behaviour. The Skin Tone Rating Scale was also moderately related to appearance reasons for tanning and internalisation of a tanned ideal, demonstrating concurrent validity. Socio-cultural influences (from peers and media) were positively correlated with skin tone dissatisfaction, and this relationship was partially mediated by internalisation of a tanned ideal. Although more research is needed to establish causation, this study provides an important addition to sun tanning literature; it provides a new measure to predict self-reported tanning behaviour, the Skin Tone Rating Scale, which highlights the importance of appearance concerns in relation to tanning and sun exposure.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Article first published online: 16 DEC 2013
Access Status
Rights
© 2013 The Australian Psychological Society