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Protection Motivation Theory and Stages of Change in Sun Protective Behavior

University of Alabama, USA, sprentic{at}bama.ua.edu

Ben F. Mcmath

University of Alabama, USA

Robert J. Cramer

University of Alabama, USA

This study examined the usefulness of the stage of change model and protection motivation theory (PMT) in creating brief persuasive appeals to promote healthy sun-behavior. College women (N = 254) read one of four essays that manipulated the level of threat and coping appraisal. The transition from the precontemplation to contemplation stage was promoted by threat appraisal information, but transition from contemplation to the preparation stage occurred only when individuals were provided with both high threat and high coping information. Thus, brief communications based on PMT may create attitudes leading to behavior change when later, more intensive, interventions are introduced.

Key Words: health promotion • protection motivation theory • skin cancer • stages of change • sun-protective behavior

Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 14, No. 2, 297-305 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1359105308100214


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