Date of Award

2008

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Wayne F. Velicer

Abstract

Data from 1,042 participants in a home-based expert system intervention were analyzed to explore subgroup profiles based on the measures from the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change: (1) Pros, (2) Cons, and (3) Self-Efficacy measures of attitudes towards sun protection habits. Independent studies were performed within the first three stages of change: Study 1- Precontemplation (N = 570); Study 2- Contemplation (N = 213); and Study 3- Preparation (N = 259). Replication across a series of randomly drawn data sets from the same general population was conducted for each stage. Variables external to the initial analysis were used to evaluate agreement among solutions. Study 1: A four-cluster solution replicated well across subsamples, and was retained for the analysis of the Precontemplation. Significant differences among clusters on the nine Processes of Change, and on all behavioral measures (Sun Protection Behavior Scale, use of sunscreen, SPF of sunscreen, and use of tanning booth/sun lamps) were found. Study 2: A four-cluster solution replicated well across subsamples, and was retained for the analysis of the Contemplation stage. Significant differences among clusters on eight of the nine Processes of Change, and on three of four behavioral measures were found. Study 3: A four-cluster solution replicated well across subsamples, and was retained for the analysis of the Preparation stage. Significant differences among clusters on eight of nine Processes of Change, and on two of four behavioral measures were found. The subtypes for sun protection habits within three of the stages of behavior change closely replicated the subtypes found for smoking cessation and strong evidence of external validity was found.

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