Not All Tanners Are Created Equal

Abstract

Recently, the idea that UV-risk behaviors can be characterized by subtypes defined by specific behavioral patterns has emerged in the skin cancer literature. 1,2 Further support for this idea is provided by O'Riordan and colleagues 3 in this issue, who used latent class analyses to classify Hawaiian beach visitors into subtypes based on their degree of skin cancer risk, sun protection practices, and tanning motivations. The findings of this latest study parallel Pagoto and colleagues study of Chicago beach visitors 2 which identified four subtypes of beachgoers, three of which were strikingly similar to the ones described by O'Riordan and colleagues, i.e., 1) low risk, sun worshippers, 2) moderate risk, sun worshippers (tan seekers), and 3) high risk, sun burners. The largest subtype in both of these studies, (i.e., the moderate risk, sun worshippers) individuals with a strong desire to tan in spite of skin type conducive to sunburning, elevated perceptions of skin cancer risk, and use of sunscreen with little use of shade or clothing for sun protection, is also the group of greatest concern to physicians because their motivation to tan appears to override their perceived and actual risk for skin cancer. 2 Overall, more than two-thirds of both beach samples report that they are at the beach with the intention to tan to improve their appearance.

Beliefs, attitudes and perceptions to sun-tanning behaviour in the Norwegian population: a cross-sectional study using the health belief model

“…One study claimed that the advantages of tanning predicted sun-tanning behaviour through intention to sunbathe, but also through intention to use sun protection [35]. Other studies also ascertained that the benefits of sun-tanning were one of the strongest predictors for sun protective behaviour [31, 36, 37]. Use of sun protection causes lower score on our sun-tanning behaviour score.…”

Correlates of Intentional Tanning Among Adolescents in the United States: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…More research is needed to understand the age when appearance motives to tan begin to emerge and to identify effective strategies to reduce the appeal of tanning to youths and counter the social norms that encourage tanning behaviors. Given that tanning behaviors and motivations may vary greatly among indoor tanners and sunbathers, research is also needed to better understand how to effectively address the individual motives to tan [ 54 ].…”

Addiction to Indoor Tanning

“…Researchers have hypothesized that regular, year-round tanners may require more intensive intervention efforts, such as motivational interviewing, relative to those who tan periodically in response to mood changes or special events. 23–24 Further research should evaluate the utility of incorporating a brief anxiety and depression screening for patients who tan indoors. Patients who evidence anxiety or depression could be referred to mental health professionals for diagnosis and treatment.…”