Beyond the usual suspects: Target group- and behavior-specific factors add to a theory-based sun protection intervention for teenagers

摘要

Sun protection standards among teenagers are low while sun exposure peaks in this age group. Study 1 explores predictors of adolescent protection intentions and exposure behavior. Study 2 tests the effectiveness of an intervention based on these predictors. Study 1(cross-sectional, N = 207, ages 15-18) and Study 2 (RCT, N = 253, ages 13-19) were conducted in schools. Path models were used to analyze data. Self-efficacy (β =.26, p <.001) and time perspective (β =.17, p =.014) were the strongest predictors of intentions; appearance motivation (β =.54, p <.001) and intention (β = -.18, p =.015) predicted behavior. The intervention effected changes in all predictors except self-efficacy. Changes in outcome expectancies (β =.19, p <.001) and time perspective (β =.09, p =.039) predicted changes in intention, while changes in intention (β = -.17, p =.002) and appearance motivation (β =.29, p <.001) predicted behavior changes. Target group- and behavior-specific intervention components are as important for changes in intentions and behavior as components derived from common health behavior theories.