A Study on the Development of a Structural Equation Model between the Driver`s Negative Emotion and Driving Behavior Based on Emotion Regulation Strategies

Abstract

Many a number of policies have been tried to reduce auto accidents so far, but it is obvious that further studies are still needed to find a more fundamental and multi-dimensional preventive measure with effect. The National Mental Health Statistics shows that the most profound forms of negative emotions, that is, depression and anxiety, have been increasing, but studies on such a topic are scarce to find. Therefore, we conducted a structural analysis between the negative emotions, including depression and anxiety, of drivers and their driving behaviors using a Structural Equation Modeling(SEM) technique. The review of past literature and studies indicated that not all of human emotions manifest themselves as the ultimate behaviors because they go through emotion regulation Strategies. For this reason, the purpose of this study was set to analyze the structural model developed in this study reflecting the emotion regulation strategies. The result of our analysis showed that the driver`s negative emotion had a more significant influence on dangerous driving behaviors than safe ones, and especially, the expressive suppression strategy was found to be the highest factor. Also, the total effect analysis with the negative emotional factors showed that expressive suppression had more significant influence compared to that of cognitive reappraisal. The implication of this study might provide a better understanding on driving behaviors of the drivers and could be used as a fundamental study for future policy development to reduce traffic accidents.