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

Abstract

Objective: Two studies were conducted with the aim of closing the intentionbehaviour gap for sunscreen use and sun protection behaviours by examining the influence of self-regulatory capacity on the prediction of sunscreen use (Study 1) and self-regulatory capacity and habit on sun protection behaviours (Study 2).Design: Studies were conducted online. Participants completed questionnaires and cognitive measures at time one and reported behaviour one week later. Main Outcome Measures:Questionnaires measuring intention and cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity were administered to 209 university students. One week later, participants reported behaviour. In Study 2, questionnaires measuring intentions and habit and cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity were administered to 178 university students who reported behaviour one week later. Results:Intention accounted for 7.1% of variance in sunscreen use, no measures of self-regulation accounted for variance in behaviour or moderated the intentionbehaviour gap (Study 1). Intention, self-regulatory capacity and habit accounted for 56.1% of variance in sun protection behaviours (Study 2). Intention, self-regulatory ability and habit predicted behaviour, while habit moderated the intention-behaviour gap. Conclusion:Interventions aimed at increasing sun protection behaviours should take into account level of intention, self-regulatory capacity and habit. Individuals may benefit from habit formation strategies and self-regulation training.

Psychological correlates of adherence to photoprotection in a rare disease: International survey of people with Xeroderma Pigmentosum

“…These findings support the targeting of automatic alongside deliberative processes and are consistent with phase models of behaviour, which include volitional and motivational constructs [e.g., Health Action Process Approach, (Schwarzer, )]. Previous studies of photoprotection behaviour in student samples have reported positive relationships (Allom et al ., ) as have adherence studies in other chronic conditions (Durand et al ., ; Phillips, Cohen, Burns, Abrams, & Renninger, ). The development of habitual photoprotection could contribute to the negative association between age at the time of diagnosis and adherence in adults.…”

“…Adherence in the cared‐for sample was higher than in the adults, which could be explained by the impact of having somebody monitoring and helping patients to meet their health needs. Whilst this could potentially be a reporting bias, a number of psychological correlates exhibited by caregivers are consistent with those found to be more favourable to adherence to photoprotection in other populations including higher self‐efficacy (Craciun, Schüz, Lippke, & Schwarzer, ), stronger intention (Starfelt Sutton & White, ), and greater automaticity (Allom et al ., ). Although the cared‐for sample reported higher photoprotection, social support, in terms of both the perceived level and quality of support, in the whole sample was not related to adherence.…”

“…For patients who are non‐adherent, the design of effective behaviour change interventions is required and needs to be informed by knowledge of psychological factors associated with poor protection. In the general population, photoprotection behaviour has been associated with beliefs about photoprotection [(e.g., personal vulnerability, benefits of protection, barriers (Bränström et al ., ; Pettigrew et al ., )], self‐efficacy (Good & Abraham, ), intention, and automaticity (behaviours that are enacted with little conscious awareness ) (Allom, Mullan, & Sebastian, ). The importance of treatment beliefs, and to a lesser extent illness perceptions, in explaining adherence has been reported across other chronic conditions (e.g., Broadbent, Donkin, & Stroh, ; Horne et al ., ).…”

Aware, motivated and striving for a ‘safe tan’: an exploratory mixed-method study of sun-protection during holidays

“…Various surveys show that the awareness of the need to be sun-safe, intentions to prevent sunburns (Allom, Mullan, & Sebastian, 2013; Araujo-Soares, Rodrigues, Presseau, & Sniehotta, 2013; Geller, Cantor, et al, 2002; Geller, Colditz, et al, 2002; Heckman & Coups, 2011), as well as self-reported sun-protection behaviours are increasing over time (Cancer Research UK, 2009; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). However, contrary to the focus of public health messages of seeking shade and using protective clothing, the most frequently reported sun-protection behaviour in population surveys is the use of sunscreen.…”

Executive functioning and diabetes: The role of anxious arousal and inflammation

“…Indeed, individuals with poor inhibition are less likely to eat healthy foods (Limbers & Young, 2015; Segerstrom & Nes, 2007) or engage in healthy amounts of physical activity than those with high inhibition, even when they have the intention of doing so (Hall, Fong, Epp, & Elias, 2008). Those with poor inhibition are less likely to consume fruits/vegetables (Allom & Mullan, 2014), adhere to a weight loss plan (Pauli-Pott, Özgür, Hebebrand, & Pott, 2010), utilize sunscreen (Allom, Mullan, & Sebastian, 2013), or demonstrate adaptive sleeping habits than those with better inhibition (Kor & Mullan, 2011). Impaired inhibition also leads to alcohol relapse following treatment (Gardland, Franken, & Howard, 2012).…”