Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Attitudes towards Risky Driving in a Group of Pre-Licensed Drivers

Abstract

Over-representation of novice drivers in motor-vehicle crashes encourages researchers to look for all possible psychological causes which might be targeted in prevention. The present study is aimed to explore the associations between difficulties in emotional regulation and attitudes towards risktaking while driving in a group of pre-licensed drivers. The sample involved 475 driver’s licence candidates who completed the self-reported questionnaire with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Scale of Risk-Taking Attitudes to Driving. Structural equation modelling showed that difficulties in emotion regulation were statistically significant predictors of all measured risk-taking attitudes to driving (over speeding, drunk driving, showing off driving skills, violation of traffic rules, joyriding and positive attitude towards traffic flow) for both males and females. These findings add to the gap in the literature and confirm that emotion regulation difficulties might be the important target addressed in early intervention. Increased emotional competence of pre-licensed drivers might contribute to safer driving and improved road safety.