Sun protection as a family health project in families with adolescents

This study examined sun protection in families with adolescents from an action-theoretical perspective. Interview data were collected from 20 families about their attitudes and behaviors around sunbathing and sun protection. The data support the understanding of project as joint goal-directed action over time as the basis on which these behaviors are organized in families. Families used the language of goal-directed action to discuss family sun protection. Differences between families with focused and diffuse sun-protection projects are identified. Sun protection in families as one part of an array of family goal-directed actions and projects has implications for health promotion.