SATISFACCIÓN GENERAL

Relationships between specific personality subscale scores and driving behaviour have been reported in a number of general studies. For example, one group of studies attempted to discern the relationship between Type A and B behaviour, as measured by the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), and typical driving habits of university students (Synodinas & Papacostas, 1 985; Papacostas & Synodinas, 1 988). Type A behaviour related significantly to one of four dimensions of driving behaviour, n amely 'externally-focused frustration'. This dimension consisted of emotional reactions to the actions of other drivers on the road, and of directive behaviours towards them. The results showed no differences between Type A and Type B individuals with respect to general freeway driving, which was perceived as relatively stress free.

The Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) has also been used in several driver behaviour studies. Loo ( 1 979) examined the roles of the primary personality dimensions of impulsiveness, sensation seeking and decision time from Eysenck's Extroversion dimension in relation to driver behaviour and the ability to perceive traffic signs. Findings showed that higher extroversion was associated with poorer performance on both driving-related tasks and driver records. Furnam & Saipe ( 1 993)

investigated personality correlates of drivers convicted for speeding and reckless driving. High psychotism and low neuroticism scores were obtained using the EPI. A shortened version of the Sensation Seeking Questionnaire identified high Thrill and Boredom susceptibility scores in the convicted drivers. While convictions were positively correlated with high risk taking, they were negatively correlated with age, gender, and years driving experience. Absence of a control group was a l imitation of this study. Another study used the EPI and the Sixteen Factor Personality Inventory ( 1 6PF), and found that high neuroticism and low affection subscores were primarily related to stress and ineffective coping strategies in middle-aged drivers (Dorn &

7 2

CHAPTER FOUR

Further studies have examined the concept of locus of control in relation to aspects of driving behaviour. Using Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control scale, Gulian et al. ( 1 990) found no relationship between respondents' locus of control and reported daily driving stress. This result was not consistent with empirical findings in which high internal locus of control is related to reduced stress levels. Responses to the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, however, found that vulnerability to stress was consistently related to reported daily driving stress. Montag ( 1 992) compared driving­ related lnternality-Externality (DI-E) scales with other personality scales across a large subject group. High DI subjects tended to be emotionally stable, conforming, compulsive, active, and, empathic. High DE subjects believed in external causation and tended to show low conformity, low emotional stability, low energy level, lack of compulsion and egocentricism. Gulian et al. ( 1 990) concluded that these influences on style of thinking were applicable explanations for accident causation.

Overal l, a wide range of personality-related variables may be seen to predispose indi viduals to high risk driving and/or to react to situations in the driving environment, placing them at higher accident risk. Current findings have implications for targeting certain characteristics and behaviours through education and intervention programmes. More research is needed, however, to systematically investigate personality effects on driving performance and behaviour.

Perso n a l i t y - re l a t e d v a r i a bles a n d neu ropsy c h o l o g i c a l l y - i m pa i r e d

drivers. Personality-related variables have received very little attention in relation to

neuropsychologically-impaired drivers, despite a number of calls for research in this area ( Golper et al., 1 980; Hope well & Price, 1 985; van Zomeren et al. , 1 988). The importance of research is emphasised where certain characteristics, emotional behaviour, and, personality changes have been implicated through neurological damage ( Lezak, 1 995 ; Walsh, 1 994). Some studies concur that many of the most prominent and disabling problems associated with neuropsychological impairment are emotional in nature, and have a profound influence on adjustment and successful rehabilitation ( Dikmen, Temkin & Armsden, 1 989; Lezak, 1 995; Prigatano, 1 987). There is a lack of agreement, however, as to whether emotional and personal styles can be attributed to neuropsychological impairment (Adamovich et al., 1 985; Dikmen et al., 1 989; Hall et a l . , 1 994 ; Prigatano, 1 987). A number of reasons, including a lack of objective measurement, and premature causal inference, are given for this. Prigatano ( 1 987)

DRIVER CHARACTERISTICS

concludes that the role of pre- and post-morbid personality characteristics in rel ation to neuropsychological impairment has been inadequately explored.

In a review of the handicapped driver, Bardach ( 1 97 1 ) refers to the highly individual nature of adjustment to various types of impairment, but points to the contribution of personality, emotional problems, and other transient states. Here, driving patterns are influenced by stress and circumstance which bear a direct relation to cognitive and perceptual difficulties in the case of the neuropsychological ly-impaired driver. According to Bardach ( 1 97 1 ) , rigidity in responding, so often characteristic of neuropsychologically-impaired individuals, effects change on personality and is expressed through egocentricism and maladaptive anger, impulsiveness and irritability. These characteristics typify what Bardach ( 1 97 1 ) considers to be important limitations for driving.

Overall, the evidence for a relationship between driving and personality variables in the neuropsychologically-impaired population is largely indirect. While methodological limitations are realised, further study into the effects of personality-related variables on driving behaviour may be warranted.