Title

The impact of emotions and predominant emotion regulation technique on driving performance

Authors

Authors

G. M. Hancock; P. A. Hancock;C. M. Janelle

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Work

Keywords

Vehicle Operation Efficacy; Affective States; Traffic Safety; BEHAVIOR; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Abstract

Emotion-provoking stimuli abound on modern roadways. Driving measures, of both longitudinal and lateral control of the vehicle, have been shown to vary based on affective influences. Research, however, has yet to address how drivers' individual techniques to mitigate emotional reactions influence driving performance. To address this issue, the present study featured a dual-task protocol involving simulated driving together with processing of emotionally-valenced images with a focus on different Predominant Emotion Regulation Techniques (PERT): one adaptive strategy (task-focused coping) and one maladaptive style (emotion-focused coping). Dependent measures included mean driving speed and number of lane excursions. Results indicated that pleasant images degraded longitudinal control to the greatest extent, while unpleasant images produced the greatest detriment in lateral control. Additionally, individuals' PERT played a major interactive role in drivers' longitudinal control leading task-focused females and emotion-focused males to adhere more closely to the speed limit; yet, it did not affect their lateral control. Results hold important potential implications for the amount or variety of training necessary for driver licensure to promote and sustain safe vehicle control.

Journal Title

Work-a Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation

Volume

41

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

5882

Last Page

5885

WOS Identifier

WOS:000306361806010

ISSN

1051-9815

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