The Role of Body Image and Depression in Tanning Behaviors and Attitudes

Abstract

In the current study, we examined correlates of tanning behaviors and attitudes. Undergraduates (N = 277; 53% female; average age = 19.27 years) completed measures of appearance orientation and appearance evaluation from the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and questions addressing tanning behaviors and attitudes. Women were more likely to engage in indoor tanning and perceived greater susceptibility to photoaging than men. Body image and depression were associated with tanning behaviors and attitudes. Results suggest that psychological factors are important motivators of both indoor and outdoor tanning, although each has unique correlates. Implications for reducing risky tanning behaviors are discussed.

Keywords:

• tanning behaviors
• tanning attitudes
• body image
• depression
• college students

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was supported by awards to Meghan M. Gillen from Penn State University, including the Rubin Psychological and Social Sciences Award. We gratefully acknowledge Jeremy Capelotti, Katherine Gillmor, Patrick Markey, Christina Rutledge, Kristin Weissberg, and Patrick Woodruff for their help with study design, data collection, scoring, entering, cleaning, and analyses, and manuscript formatting.