Abstract

According to recent reports, 56 percent of total vehicular accident deaths were related to aggressive driving. Previous research on aggressive driving was related to cognitive failures, sex differences, individual driving habits, and to a lesser extent, personality. Personality focused aggressive driving research has not produced a consensus on the predictive nature of personality traits on the propensity to engage in aggressive driving. However, a lack of consensus on personality's role in aggressive driving warrants further empirical examination into the relationship between personality and aggressive driving. Similarly, the impact of individual differences on aggressive driving behavior cannot be ignored; the role of individual differences in aggressive driving is imperative to examine. The goal of this study was designed to examine the role of personality and individual differences in aggressive driving. It was hypothesized that personality and individual differences would be significantly related to aggressive driving behavior. A sample of (N= 252) participants were recruited via the online SONA System. All participants were required to complete a series of driving (ADBQ, CFQ-D&DBQ) questionnaires. They were also required to complete a series of personality questionnaires, including the IPIP NEO PI-R and BFI. Results indicated that personality factors and individual differences were significant predictors of aggressive driving outcomes. A series of stepwise regression analyses revealed a significant linear relationship between trait anger and aggressive driving; trait anger and cognitive failures with aggressive driving; trait anger, cognitive failures, and trait cooperation with aggressive driving. However, the stepwise regression did not show a significant relationship between personality factors of Neuroticism and Agreeableness in relation to aggressive driving. Interestingly, the models supported the use of trait anger and trait cooperation as predictors of aggressive driving behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and directions for future research are also presented.

Thesis Completion

2020

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Mouloua, Mustapha

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Psychology, Human Factors

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-1-2020

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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