Influence of Parental Attachment and Life Satisfaction on Social Tanning Behavior

The goal of the study was to explore college students’ social tanning behavior based on their parental attachment and life satisfaction. The data were collected from a sample of 333 college students using a self-administered online survey tool. The questionnaire consisted of multi-item scales measuring parental attachment, life satisfaction, and social tanning behaviors (tanning bed use vs. sun tanning) along with demographic questions. The majority of the participants were female (80.2%) and Caucasian (76.9%), with an average age of 19.8 years. Results suggest that there is an association between having a high parental attachment and engaging in “social sun tanning.” College students who are highly satisfied with their life are less likely to use tanning beds with friends and families. Intervention strategies to deter harmful body-tanning should be designed to consider ways of improving quality of relationships and life.