title: Gender differences in young adults' beliefs about sunscreen use.
abstract: This study employs focus group methodology to explore gender differences in sunscreen use. Guided by the theory of reasoned action, males and females were found to differ on each of the following constructs: behavior, behavioral beliefs, and normative beliefs. Males and females differed in their sunscreen use, with females adopting a more preventive style of sunscreen use and males a more reactive style. Males and females differed in their salient beliefs that motivated their sunscreen use, many of which were related to traditional American gender roles. In addition, although males and females were aware of both positive and negative sources of normative beliefs regarding sunscreen use, females received more encouragement from their mothers and peers than males. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the design of future interventions.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Behavior, Boston, USA.
authors.forename: Lorien
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Abroms
authors.forename: Cynthia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Southwell
authors.forename: Alan C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Emmons
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D003120:Colorado; D003469:Culture; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010379:Peer Group; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D013471:Sunburn / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents