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Open Access 01-12-2010

Effects of upward and downward social comparison information on the efficacy of an appearance-based sun protection intervention: a randomized, controlled experiment

Authors: Heike I. M. Mahler, James A. Kulik, Meg Gerrard, Frederick X. Gibbons

Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 6/2010

Abstract

This experiment examined the impact of adding upward and/or downward social comparison information on the efficacy of an appearance-based sun protection intervention (UV photos and photoaging information). Southern California college students (N = 126) were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: control, intervention, intervention plus upward social comparison, intervention plus downward social comparison. The results demonstrated that all those who received the basic UV photo/photoaging intervention reported greater perceived susceptibility to photoaging (d = .74), less favorable tanning cognitions (d = .44), and greater intentions to sun protect (d = 1.32) relative to controls. Of more interest, while the basic intervention increased sun protective behavior during the subsequent 5 weeks relative to controls (d = .44), the addition of downward comparison information completely negated this benefit. Upward comparison information produced sun protection levels that were only slightly (and nonsignificantly) greater than in the basic intervention condition and, as such, does not appear to be a cost-effective addition. Possible mechanisms that may have reduced the benefits of upward comparison information and contributed to the undermining effects of downward comparison information are discussed.

Sample size was based on power analysis: with alpha set at .05 (two tailed) and d at 1.03 based on the basic intervention versus control effect on sun protection intentions in our pilot studies, an n of 20 per group would be needed to have power greater than .87. Thus, we recruited at least 30 per condition to allow for some attrition at follow-up and to provide enhanced power for the social comparison conditions.

The intentional and incidental sun exposure hours are consistent with, and the sunscreen use figures are higher than, previously published population norms for San Diego residents (i.e., Newman et al. 1996).

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Title: Effects of upward and downward social comparison information on the efficacy of an appearance-based sun protection intervention: a randomized, controlled experiment
Authors: Heike I. M. Mahler
James A. Kulik
Meg Gerrard
Frederick X. Gibbons
Publication date: 01-12-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 6/2010
Print ISSN: 0160-7715
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3521
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-010-9279-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of upward and downward social comparison information on the efficacy of an appearance-based sun protection intervention: a randomized, controlled experiment

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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