Factors influencing anticipated decisions about sunscreen use.

The present study examined influences on the decision-making processes relevant to sun-damage preventive behaviour, namely sunscreen use. Participants were randomly assigned to a positive, a negative or a control group and underwent two successive experimental manipulations: (1) information and (2) focus. They made pre-experimental, post-information and post-focus ratings of likelihood of using sunscreen and susceptibility to skin cancer. The results suggested that decision making changes as a function of the information present, and the information which individuals focus on at the time of decision making. The findings are described with particular emphasis on the implications for future intervention strategies.