Measurement of tanning dependence

Abstract

Background Indoor tanning has been found to be addictive. However, the most commonly-used tanning dependence measures have not been well-validated. Objective The study’s purpose was to explore the psychometric characteristics of and compare the mCAGE (modified Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener Scale), mDSM-IV-TR (modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition - Text Revised), and TAPS (Tanning Pathology Scale) measures of tanning dependence and provide recommendations for research and practice. Methods This study was a cross-sectional online survey with 18–25 year old female university students. The main outcome variable was tanning dependence measured by the mCAGE, mDSM-IV-TR, and TAPS. Results Internal consistency of the TAPS subscales was good but was poor for the mCAGE and mDSM-IV-TR, except when their items were combined. Agreement between the mCAGE and mDSM-IV-TR was fair. Factor analysis of the TAPS confirmed the current four-factor structure. All of the tanning dependence scales were significantly correlated with one another. Likewise, most of the tanning dependence scales were significantly correlated with other measures of tanning attitudes and behaviors. However, the tolerance to tanning TAPS subscale was not significantly correlated with any measure of tanning attitudes or behaviors and had the lowest subscale internal reliability and eigenvalues. Conclusion Based on the data and existing literature, we make recommendations for the continued use of tanning dependence measures. Intervention may be needed for the approximately 5% of college women who tend to be classified as tanning dependent across measures. Monitoring of individuals reporting tanning dependence symptoms is warranted.

An Initial Investigation of the Effects of Tanning-Related Cues on Demand and Craving for Indoor Tanning

“…Although HPTs are becoming increasingly popular in behavioral economic research on addictions (Bickel et al, 2011;Bickel et al, 2014;Jarmolowicz et al, 2016) and behavioral health in general , as of yet only one study has validated the TPT against two commonly used questionnaires in substance use disorder research. Given the growing number of validation studies in the substance use literature (e.g., alcohol and tobacco; Amlung et al, 2012;Amlung & MacKillop, 2014;Amlung et al, 2015;MacKillop et al, 2007;MacKillop & Lisman, 2008;MacKillop et al, 2010;Madden & Kalman, 2010), future research may attempt to validate the TPT with tanning specific addiction tools such as the Structured Interview for Tanning Abuse and Dependence (Hillhouse, Baker, Turrisi, Shields, Stapleton, Jain, & Longacre, 2012), the Tanning Pathology Scale (Heckman et al, 2014;Hillhouse et al, 2010), and experiential tasks.…”

“…Dermatologists and other health experts surmise that much of the popularity with IT may be attributed to pleasurable consequences such as physiological sensations, 1 relaxation, perceptions of enhanced appearance, and social praise from friends and relatives (Cafri, Thompson, Roehrig, van den Berg, Jacobsen, & Stark, 2006;Day, Wilson, Hutchinson, & Roberts, 2015;Feldman et al, 2004, Heckman et al, 2014Heckman, Munshi, Darlow, Kloss, Manne, Perlis, & Oslin, 2016;Kaur et al, 2006;Stapleton, Turrisi, Hillhouse, Robinson, & Abar, 2010). To our knowledge, no studies have examined the cue-induced effects on craving and demand for IT.…”

Indoor Tanning, Skin Cancer and the Young Female Patient: A Review of the Literature

“…84 The overall prevalence of tanning dependence differs by population and method of measurement with the highest rates seen in college-aged indoor tanners (22%-45%). 85 …”

Early-Onset Basal Cell Carcinoma and Indoor Tanning: A Population-Based Study

“…53 In addition to the desire for a tanned appearance, a growing number of studies are uncovering tanning addiction or dependence as a potential driver of this behavior. [54][55][56][57] 61 A US survey found that most salons would allow minors to tan twice the number of times recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration. 63 To prevent skin cancers, in 2012 the US Preventive Services Task Force recommended that children, adolescents, and young adults (10-24 years) with fair skin be counseled to minimize UV radiation exposure, including from indoor tanning (a Grade B recommendation).…”