A Duke professor has studied the motivations of people who tan and concluded that social motives trump health concerns.
According to a release from the Duke University Office of News & Communications, Mark Leary—a professor of psychology and neuroscience, and director of Duke’s social psychology program—says that social motives such as being attractive, making positive impressions and being evaluated favorably were considered more important than the information study subjects were given regarding health risks related to tanning.
Source:
Duke University Office of News & Communications: News Tip: Duke Expert On Psychological Motivation For Using Tanning Beds Despite The Risks