Appearance motivation, obsessive-compulsive tendencies and excessive suntanning in a community sample

Measures of appearance motivation, obsessive-compulsive tendencies and tanning attitudes and behavior were completed by 175 adults, ages 16-65, who were approached while suntanning. Participants who scored high in both appearance motivation and obsessive-compulsive tendencies most strongly endorsed the importance of having a tan, spent the most time in the sun, were least likely to use sunscreen and were more likely to use tanning beds. In contrast, low-appearance motivation combined with high obsession-compulsion was associated with safe-sun practices.

Duke Scholars

Author Mark R. Leary Psychology & Neuroscience