Date of Award

1991

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Joseph S. Rossi

Abstract

A model of readiness to reduce sun exposure was developed and tested using factor analytic, structural modeling, and cluster analytic techniques, and employing double cross-validation procedures. This model is based on the stages of change model developed by Prochaska & DiClemente (1983) which posits that people pass through a series of stages in their attempts to change behavior: Precontemplation (not intending to change); Contemplation (seriously considering change); Action (actively engaged in change); and Maintenance (successfully sustained change). A 35-item questionnaire measuring the four stages of change was administered to 595 participants in a worksite health promotion program. Six competing measurement models were compared and a four factor correlated model corresponding to the four stages of change was found to provide the best fit to the data. These analyses also resulted in a short and reliable 16 item measure of sun exposure behavior and intentions. Item factor loadings were high (median= .82). Internal consistency (alpha) coefficients for the four stages of change scales were also very good (.80 to .89). Cluster analyses of the four scales resulted in eight distinct profiles similar to those obtained in previous analyses of the stages of change in other problem areas. These developmental findings suggest that the stages of change model, productive in other areas of health behavior, can be adapted to problems of sun exposure and skin cancer prevention.

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