The Skin Savvy Study: A Behavioral Skin Cancer Prevention Intervention

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.