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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

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Cognitive rationalizations for tanning-bed use: a preliminary exploration.

Smita C Banerjee¹, Jennifer L Hay, Kathryn Greene

¹Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. banerjes@mskcc.org

American Journal of Health Behavior

|August 30, 2013

Summary

Cognitive rationalizations for tanning beds were examined using an adapted scale. Findings show this scale effectively predicts tanning behaviors and explains why people continue tanning despite risks.

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Area of Science:

Psychology
Health Behavior
Skin Health

Background:

Cognitive rationalizations are often used to justify behaviors that conflict with personal beliefs or known risks.
Understanding these rationalizations is crucial for developing effective interventions, particularly for behaviors like indoor tanning.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the construct and predictive validity of an adapted cognitive rationalization scale specifically for indoor tanning behavior.
To assess how cognitive rationalizations relate to current tanning use, dependence, and intentions.

Main Methods:

An adapted cognitive rationalization scale was administered to 216 undergraduate students who currently or formerly used tanning beds.
Participants also completed measures of past tanning behavior, perceived benefits of tanning, photoaging vulnerability, tanning dependence, and future tanning intentions.

Main Results:

The adapted cognitive rationalization scale demonstrated strong construct and predictive validity.
Individuals who currently used tanning beds or were dependent on tanning beds reported stronger endorsement of rationalizations compared to former users or non-dependent users.

Conclusions:

Cognitive rationalizations play a significant role in explaining the discrepancy between inconsistent cognitions regarding indoor tanning.
The findings support the utility of the adapted scale in understanding and potentially modifying tanning behaviors.