Closing the intention-behaviour gap for sunscreen use and sun protection behaviours

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The intention-behavior gap remains a challenge in promoting health behaviors like sunscreen use.
• Self-regulatory capacity and habit are crucial factors influencing behavior change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of self-regulatory capacity in predicting sunscreen use.
• To examine how self-regulatory capacity and habit influence sun protection behaviors.
• To address the intention-behavior gap in sun protection.

Main Methods:

• Two online studies were conducted with university students.
• Participants completed questionnaires on intentions and habits, alongside cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity.
• Behavioral outcomes were reported one week after initial assessment.

Main Results:

• Self-regulatory capacity did not predict sunscreen use or moderate the intention-behavior gap in Study 1.
• In Study 2, intention, self-regulatory capacity, and habit collectively explained 56.1% of the variance in sun protection behaviors.
• Habit was found to moderate the intention-behavior gap for sun protection behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Effective interventions for sun protection behaviors must consider intention, self-regulatory capacity, and habit.
• Habit formation strategies and self-regulation training can benefit individuals in adopting sun-safe practices.