Gender INDEPENDENT T-TEST TABLE VariableMalesFemalestdfSig. IFL1.250 (.543) (.810) **0.000 COM1.850 (1.189) (1.488) **0.000 APR3.075 (1.309) (1.189) **0.003 PRF2.025 (1.165) (0.750) *0.038 RSK2.275 (1.219) (1.087) **0.000 RESEARCH PROBLEM -Skin cancer from ultraviolet rays is one of the most common forms of cancer; despite the health risks, college students continue exposing themselves to these harmful rays to improve their appearance. HYPOTHESIS -The researchers hypothesized Females would respond that they engage in tanning more frequently than males to improve their appearance while aware of the health risks. This hypothesis was based on both literature and theory. PURPOSE 1.Examine the factors driving the younger population to continue to put their health at risk with a sample of male and female college students 2.Develop a reliable survey instrument to measure the gender differences toward tanning 3.To increase the awareness of college health center professionals to encourage young adults to place a higher value on their health rather than appearance. LITERATURE REVIEW Cox et al. (2009) stated that whatever society perceives as attractive, whether tanned pale bodies, determined the intentions to tan, regardless of the health risks. Pettijohn II, Pettijohn, & Geschke, (2009) examined the changes in tanning attitudes and behaviors over a ten year time period to determine if student attitudes towards tanning have changed. Bagdasarov, Banerjee, Greene, & Campo (2008) examined factors that predicted the use of tanning beds by college students’ related to personality, environment, and behavior. Cafri et al. (2008) studied the socio-cultural influences to tan. General Appearance, acne, and body shape all influence the decision to tan. Mosher et al. (2006) examined the factors that have the biggest influences on college students ‘desire to put themselves at risk for cancer to be perceived as more attractive. GENDERED FACTORS METHODS Participants: 92 male and female college students from a university Research Design: Non-random pilot study, Cross sectional, purposive sampling design Data Collection Instrument: IRB approved, informed by literature & theory, implied consent, Self administered surveys given to male and female college students in general education courses and explained implied consent Data Analysis Plan: Analyzed data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); Cross-tabulations, mean- comparisons, independent t-tests, and a reliability analysis: Cronbach’s Alpha. IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE PRACTITIONERS Providing more education that increases awareness of the importance of protecting skin from harmful ultraviolet rays in middle and high school health education classes. Providing this information and results to college health care facilities can help increase awareness and knowledge of the harmful effects of ultraviolet ray exposure and prevention methods IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH If the same survey were to be used: Add questions and/or statements asking participants that have tanned, if they did so because of an occasion coming up, such as prom, a vacation, a wedding, etc. Use several different study designs. Comparing groups based on gender might be more beneficial when comparing those individuals that already tan. Conduct a longitudinal study to see how the perceptions change as an individual becomes more/less concerned with his/her health. CONCLUSION Male college students do not perceive themselves as attractive with a tan than female college students therefore, males have no concern about getting skin cancer. Females are more likely to have sociological influences such as friends and the media to increase their desire to tan; because the media portrays tanned bodies as attractive and acceptable, this is influencing the female population to tan in order to feel beautiful or socially accepted. Increasing support for healthy bodies rather than tanned bodies can influence an individual to make better life-long decisions. INFLUENCING TANNING THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Social Exchange Theory - Assumes the outcome of human interactions–based on a cost- benefit analysis (Della Ripa & Carrasco, 2007) -Predicted that friends and social networks have a greater influence on the decision to tan while ignoring the warning signs of UV rays. -Individuals who tan are more concerned with the reward tanning gives than the cost that is involved. Jessica Schumacher & Rhonda Richardson Advised by: Dr. Susan Wolfgram University of Wisconsin - Stout RESULTS Variables FRQ and AWN supported the hypothesis: females engage in tanning more frequently than males to improve their appearance while aware of the health risks. Both males and females agreed that females engage in sun tanning behavior more frequently than males and that they were aware of the risks involved with UV Majority of males disagreed that they are concerned about getting skin cancer from exposure to UV rays and that their friends compliment their tan (COM). Majority of females agreed that their friends compliment their tan (Mosher & Danoff-Burg, 2005), and are concerned about getting skin cancer (RSK), yet continue to tan (Cox et al., 2009). The participants disagreed that friends encourage them to tan (IFL) (Cafri et al., 2008)., and that they prefer their partner to be tan (PRE). If an individual’s partner engaged in tanning behavior, then they are more likely to engage in tanning behavior (Mosher & Danoff-Burg, 2005). Variables FRQ and AWN supported the hypothesis Note: (IFL)=My friends encourage me to tan; (COM) =My friends compliment my tan; (APR) =I look more attractive with a suntan than without a suntan; (PRF) =It is important for my boyfriend/girlfriend to have a suntan; (RSK) =I am concerned about getting skin cancer from exposure to UV rays. p<=.05, two tailed. Standard deviations appear in parenthesis below means.