Risk perception moderates how intentions are translated into sunscreen use.
Planning is supposed to mediate between intention and behavior. The study examines whether such a mediation also exists in the context of sunscreen use. Moreover, the question is raised whether health risk perception might moderate such a mechanism. A longitudinal online study was conducted with three measurement points in time. Sunscreen use, intention, planning, and risk perception were assessed. A sample of 154 individuals was analyzed by hierarchical regression procedures in terms of moderated mediation. Planning partially mediated the intention-behavior relationship, and risk perception operated as a moderator. The moderator effect was negative, implying that low risk perception in conjunction with high intention was a prerequisite for planning, and, thus, for the mediation by planning. Low risk perception reflects health-specific optimism which can be a facilitator of health behavior change, in this case the change of sunscreen use from Time 1 to Time 3.
Craciun
Catrinel
C
Department of Education and Psychology, Health Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195 Berlin, Germany. catrinelcraciun@yahoo.com
Schüz
Natalie
N
Lippke
Sonia
S
Schwarzer
Ralf
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D013473:Sunscreening Agents