A Study of the Relationships Between Tanning Methods and the Intention to Engage in Risky Appearance‐Related Behaviors

Abstract

The goal was to identify overall intentions to engage in risky appearance‐related behaviors and to determine whether tanning methods (UV‐induced vs. non‐UV‐induced) were significant in relationship to female college students’ intentions to engage in risky appearance management behaviors. A total of 395 female college students at one university in southwestern United States answered an online survey. In general, the participants did not intend to engage in appearance management behaviors that are deemed as highly risky. An independent t‐test revealed that both frequent ultra violet‐induced and non‐ultra violet‐induced frequent tanners’ behavioral intentions to engage in risky weight management behaviors, plastic surgery procedures, and spa treatments were higher than infrequent tanners. Infrequent UV‐induced tanners were less likely to have body piercing and tattooing, compared to UV‐induced tanners. Safer tanners were more concerned about stigmatized body modification, in particular.