An application of the Transtheoretical Model to sunscreen use in adolescent females: Testing hypotheses in relation to uptake of a health protective behaviour

Abstract

This study aimed to test the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to sunscreen use among adolescent females. A total of 572 adolescent females attending an all girls’ school in the Midlands completed a self-report questionnaire that measured all TTM constructs. Stage distribution was as follows: precontemplation 43.1 per cent, contemplation 23.3 per cent, preparation 11.9 per cent, action 12.5 per cent and maintenance 9.2 per cent. Significant differences were found in decisional balance and selfefficacy by stage of change, in accordance with TTM hypotheses. There were no significant differences in temptation scores by stage of change, and while significant differences for each of the processes of change were found, these were not in support of theoretical predictions. The findings of this study support some TTM hypotheses, but also emphasise that other hypotheses may not be as universally applicable to the uptake of health protective behaviours as to the cessation of problem behaviours