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Gender differences in young adults' beliefs about sunscreen use
Lorien Abroms1, Cynthia M Jorgensen, Brian G Southwell
1Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Behavior, Boston, USA.
Summary
Gender significantly impacts sunscreen habits. Females use sunscreen preventively, influenced by social norms, while males adopt a reactive approach, reflecting traditional gender roles, suggesting tailored intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Health Behavior Research
- Social Psychology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Sunscreen use is crucial for skin cancer prevention.
- Understanding gender-specific behaviors is key to effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore gender differences in sunscreen usage patterns.
- To identify underlying behavioral and normative beliefs influencing these differences.
Main Methods:
- Focus group methodology was employed.
- The theory of reasoned action guided the investigation.
Main Results:
- Significant gender differences were observed in sunscreen use behavior.
- Females exhibited a preventive style, males a reactive style.
- Beliefs motivating use, particularly those linked to gender roles, differed between genders.
- Females reported greater social encouragement for sunscreen use from mothers and peers.
Conclusions:
- Gender roles and social influences significantly shape sunscreen use.
- Interventions should consider these gender-specific factors for improved efficacy.
- Tailored strategies are needed to promote consistent sunscreen application across genders.