F. Jones et al., From knowledge to action regulation: Modeling the cognitive prerequisites of sun screen use in Australian and UK samples, PSYCHOL HEA, 16(2), 2001, pp. 191-206
Sun protective cognition and behaviour was studied on beaches in Australia
(n = 113) and in the UK (n = 376). Cognition measures based on social psych
ological models, including the Theory of Planned Behaviour, were used to co
nstruct a model of sunscreen use. Path analysis showed that knowledge, norm
s, perceived threat, self-efficacy and perceived importance of short-term n
egative consequences of sun exposure accounted for 44% of the variance in i
ntentions to use sunscreen. A measure of prior planning contributed as much
to the prediction of behaviour as did intentions and there was support for
both a moderating and a mediating influence of planning on intention. The
results support theoretical proposals that post-decisional cognitions shoul
d be added to current theoretical models and have implications for interven
tion design.