Trial Information

The Skin Savvy Study: A Behavioral Skin Cancer Prevention Intervention

Teens and young adults are at high risk for overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a
leading factor in the development of skin cancer. The majority of these individuals continue
to protect themselves minimally and tan intentionally, including significant increases in
tanning booth use recently. Such care-free behaviors exist despite widespread
education/awareness about UV radiation and skin cancer. The purpose of the proposed project
is to investigate the efficacy and longevity of two novel approaches to changing skin
protection behaviors: 1) UV-detect photos that reveal currently existing skin damage and 2)
motivational interviewing (MI), a person-centered, yet directive counseling style used to
enhance internal motivation to change health behaviors. The proposed investigations include
a pilot study to refine the methodology; a small formal randomized controlled efficacy
trial; and a dismantling study. These studies will also expand current knowledge and
research in several major ways: 1) the use of UV-detect photos will enable highly salient
and personalized feedback, 2) MI will be used in a previously untried health domain (skin
cancer prevention), 3) objective skin color changes will be measured using state-of-the-art
skin reflectance spectrophotometry, and 4) the proposed studies will test aspects of several
major psychological theories (e.g., Transtheoretical Model, Prototype/Willingness Model) to
identify moderators/mediators of outcome. Therefore, the studies should provide useful
information about process and outcome for skin cancer prevention researchers and clinicians.