Factors influencing anticipated decisions about sunscreen use

Citation

Rasmussen S & O'Connor R (2005) Factors influencing anticipated decisions about sunscreen use. Journal of Health Psychology, 10 (4), pp. 585-595. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105305053441

Abstract
The present study examined influences on the decision-making processes relevant to sun-damage preventive behaviour, namely sunscreen use. Participants were randomly assigned to a positive, a negative or a control group and underwent two successive experimental manipulations: (1) information and (2) focus.They made pre-experimental, post-information and post-focus ratings of likelihood of using sunscreen and susceptibility to skin cancer.The results suggested that decision making changes as a function of the information present, and the information which individuals focus on at the time of decision making.The findings are described with particular emphasis on the implications for future intervention strategies.

Keywords
decision making; health protection; sunscreen use; susceptibility; utility theory

Journal
Journal of Health Psychology: Volume 10, Issue 4