Table 1 Internal Reliability, Sample Items, and Response Options for Multi-Item Scales

Psychological Factors

   Sun protection benefits

If people protected themselves from the sun, they wouldn't be as likely to get skin cancer

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree

   Sunscreen barriers

The nuisance of applying sunscreen may keep me from using it

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree

   Sun protection behavior benefits

How much do you think it helps to wear a hat to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun?

1 = not at all helpful to

5 = extremely helpful

   Benefits of sunbathing

I feel more attractive with a tan

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree

   Sunscreen self-efficacy

How confident are you that you can use sunscreen while doing outdoor activities in the winter?

1 = not at all confident to

5 = extremely confident

   Photo-aging concerns

If I were not to use sun protection, my skin would be very susceptible to wrinkling

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree

   Comparative perceived risk

How would you rate your chances of developing melanoma compared with other people with a similar family history of melanoma?

1 = much lower to

5 = much higher

   Perceived severity of melanoma

How severely would developing melanoma disrupt your personal health and physical comfort?

1 = not at all disruptive to

6 = extremely disruptive

Social Influence Factors

   Image norms for tanness

I think to be a successful TV star, you should have a suntan

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree

   Sun protection norms

My friends and family wear protective clothing, like a shirt or hat, on a regular basis when in the sun

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree

   Sunbathing norms

My friends and family sunbathe on a regular basis

1 = strongly disagree to

6 = strongly agree