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Peer crowd identification and indoor artificial UV tanning behavioral tendencies
Jerod Stapleton1, Rob Turrisi, Joel Hillhouse
1Pennsylvania State University, USA. jerod@psu.edu
Journal of Health Psychology
|September 24, 2008
Summary
Peer crowd identification influences indoor tanning habits. Identifying with popular crowds increases tanning risk, while identifying with brain crowds offers protection against artificial UV exposure.
Area of Science:
- Health behavior research
- Social psychology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Indoor tanning is a significant risk factor for skin cancer.
- Peer influence is a known factor in health-related behaviors among young adults.
- Understanding social dynamics can inform targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between peer crowd identification and indoor tanning behaviors in undergraduate students.
- To determine if peer crowd affiliation predicts attitudes, beliefs, past use, and intentions related to indoor tanning.
- To explore potential protective or risk-increasing effects of specific peer crowd affiliations on tanning behavior.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 174 undergraduate students at a US university.
- Assessed peer crowd identification using established measures.
- Measured indoor tanning behavioral tendencies, including attitudes, normative beliefs, past year use, and intentions.
- Controlled for gender and skin type in statistical analyses.
Main Results:
- Peer crowd identification was significantly linked to indoor tanning behavioral tendencies.
- Identification with the 'popular' peer crowd was associated with the highest risk of indoor tanning UV exposure.
- Identification with the 'brain' peer crowd showed a protective effect against indoor tanning behavior.
- These associations were independent of participants' gender and skin type.
Conclusions:
- Peer crowd affiliation is a significant correlate of indoor tanning behaviors among college students.
- Targeting interventions based on peer crowd identification may be effective in reducing indoor tanning.
- Future skin cancer prevention efforts should consider the role of social identity and peer groups.
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