“How to Get Beach-Ready?!” Sun Tan Ideals in Magazines and Sunbed Use Among Young Women

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Mass Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Exposure to artificial UV radiation has been shown to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. By exploring (a) whether magazine exposure is related to sunbed use and (b) testing a comprehensive model that summarizes previous research on the internalization of sun tan ideals and self-objectification, the importance of positive perceptions of a tanned person, and the integrative model, the current cross-sectional study among 444 female college students (Mage = 20.08 years; SD = .91) aimed to increase scholarly knowledge on young women’s decision to use a sunbed. A structural equation mode revealed that sun tan ideals that are present is magazine content are cognitively accepted and affect young women’s self-objectification. In addition, we were able to show that self-objectification and the internalization of appearance ideals are related to sunbed use. Our results further indicate that young women’s perception that having a tanned skin is beneficial and normative play an important role within this process.

Author

• Jolien Trekels, U of Leuven - School for Mass Communication Research