Publication Date
2010
Publication Details
Craciun, C., Schuz, N., Lippke, S. & Schwarzer, R. (2010). Risk perception moderates how intentions are translated into sunscreen use. Journal of Behavioral Medicine,33(5), 392-398. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-010-9269-5
Abstract
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.
School/Institute
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Document Type
Journal Article
Access Rights
ERA Access