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Why do young women use sunbeds? A comparative psychological study
The British Journal of Dermatology
|February 21, 1998
Summary
Women who regularly use sunbeds exhibit lower self-esteem and higher anxiety, devaluing others to protect themselves from intimacy. This behavior persists despite awareness of health risks associated with tanning.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Many individuals pursue tanned skin despite known health risks.
- Sunbed use is prevalent, raising concerns about psychological motivations and consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate psychological differences between regular sunbed users and non-users.
- To explore self-concept, narcissistic traits, social assertiveness, and self-efficacy in relation to tanning behavior.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 30 women who regularly use sunbeds and 34 non-users.
- Standardized psychological questionnaires assessed self-concept, narcissism, assertiveness, and self-efficacy.
- Knowledge of sunbed hazards and attitudes toward tanning were also recorded.
Main Results:
- Sunbed users showed significantly higher object devaluation, devaluing others to avoid affection.
- Users also reported greater anxiety in interpersonal relationships.
- A correlation was found between tanning behavior and psychological defense mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Tanned skin may serve as a psychological tool for sunbed users to achieve an ideal self-image, enabling devaluation of others and avoidance of close relationships.
- Standard health warnings about ultraviolet irradiation are insufficient to deter this behavior.
- Public relations campaigns should address the underlying psychological motives driving sunbed use.