Exploring pathways linking driving stress to self-regulation among older adults: A structural equation modeling...

Driving self-regulation is a strategy for maintaining safe mobility amid age-related declines in older adults; however, adopting self-regulation involves complex risk appraisals, such as risk perceptions and driving stress. This study aims to identify the effect of driving stress on the pathway from risk perception to self-regulation among older drivers.

An online survey was conducted from February to April 2024, collecting data on demographics, driving behaviors, safety perceptions, and stress levels. The sample included 223 respondents aged 65 or older with valid driver's licenses. A structural equation model was constructed using the following latent variables: driving stress and self-regulation, along with independent variables identified through prior research and model diagnostics.

Being female, having experienced a crash or near-crash experience, and reporting lower self-assessments of safe driving were associated with higher levels of driving stress, which, in turn, was associated with a greater intention to adopt self-regulation and slower driving speeds. While being female was directly associated with an intention to adopt self-regulation and slower speeds, other variables were not. Increased driving stress was more strongly associated with self-regulation for avoiding interactions (β = 0.45) (e.g., during rush hour) than for avoiding adverse environments (β = 0.33), such as nighttime driving.

Lower self-assessments of driving ability and crash experiences were not directly associated with the adoption of self-regulation, but the mediating effect of driving stress was observed. Meanwhile, older women reported higher driving stress and greater self-regulation, potentially contributing to premature driving cessation.

Driving self-regulation can enhance road safety for older drivers when declines in driving ability are met with appropriate self-regulation. Driving stress may serve as an indicator of self-awareness regarding driving competence. Educational interventions and targeted communications that promote self-awareness may play an essential role in supporting safe mobility for older adults.