Changes in Sun Tanning Attitudes and Behaviors of U.S. College Students from 1995 to 2005

To investigate changes in U.S. college student sun tanning attitudes and behaviors over the last decade, participants completed sun tanning attitude and behavior surveys in 1995 (n=151) and a different sample of participants completed surveys in 2005 (n=208). Consistent with predictions, results indicated that college students were more likely to sun tan in 2005 than they were in 1995, although their attitudes about sun tanning have remained fairly stable. Despite government and media programming designed to educate the public about tanning risks, reported sun tanning behaviors have increased over the past decade and sun tanning attitudes have remained constant. (Contains 2 tables.)