Social and Psychological Aspects

Influences of Parental Attachment and Life Satisfaction on Social Tanning Behaviors among College Students

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Abstract

The goal of this study is to assess the effect of parental attachment and life satisfaction on social tanning behaviors. Due to the perceived attractiveness of tanned skin, body-tanning behavior via outdoor and indoor tanning bed use is increasingly popular. The evidence supporting appearance-motive tanning indicates that indoor UV tanning is highly motivated by social influences (Hillhouse, Turrisi, Holwiski, & McVeigh, 1999). Previous studies have identified the significance of social tanning (i.e., tanning with others) in that people define the self-concept in terms of groups with whom individuals associate (Rubin, Bukowski, & Parker, 2007). An in-depth analysis of factors influencing social tanning behavior is critical for the development of effective, yet novel interventions designed to reduce harmful tanning behaviors. Therefore, the specific questions are addressed as follows: “What influences do parental attachment and life satisfaction have on college students’ social tanning behavior?”

Keywords: Parental Attachment, Life Satisfaction, Body Image, Body-Tanning Behaviors

How to Cite:

Yoo, J. & Kim, H., (2013) “Influences of Parental Attachment and Life Satisfaction on Social Tanning Behaviors among College Students”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 70(1).