TY - JOUR
T1 - Analyzing Protection Motivation Theory and Cognitive Failures in Texting While Driving Behavior Among Young Drivers
AU - Gabaldon, Janeth
AU - Niranjan, Suman
AU - Hawkins, Timothy G.
AU - McBride, Maranda E.
AU - Savitskie, Katrina
PY - 2024/11/1
Y1 - 2024/11/1
N2 - Texting while driving (TWD) poses a significant hazard, particularly among young adults, as it requires simultaneous engagement in competing tasks. Despite widespread awareness of its dangers, drivers continue to engage in TWD. This study investigates the psychological and cognitive factors that influence TWD, employing the protection motivation theory (PMT). Structural equation modeling was conducted on a sample of 674 survey respondents aged 18–25. Factors influencing TWD behavior were revealed, including response cost, threat vulnerability, cognitive failure, self-efficacy, and threat severity. Response cost was the primary barrier. Notably, not all subdimensions of threat appraisal and coping appraisal have a direct impact on TWD; cognitive failures serve as a mediator solely between threat vulnerability and response cost. An understanding of TWD provides insights into the TWD behavior of young drivers. By integrating the PMT with cognitive failure, this approach informs the development of interventions and regulations aimed at discouraging TWD and improving road safety.
AB - Texting while driving (TWD) poses a significant hazard, particularly among young adults, as it requires simultaneous engagement in competing tasks. Despite widespread awareness of its dangers, drivers continue to engage in TWD. This study investigates the psychological and cognitive factors that influence TWD, employing the protection motivation theory (PMT). Structural equation modeling was conducted on a sample of 674 survey respondents aged 18–25. Factors influencing TWD behavior were revealed, including response cost, threat vulnerability, cognitive failure, self-efficacy, and threat severity. Response cost was the primary barrier. Notably, not all subdimensions of threat appraisal and coping appraisal have a direct impact on TWD; cognitive failures serve as a mediator solely between threat vulnerability and response cost. An understanding of TWD provides insights into the TWD behavior of young drivers. By integrating the PMT with cognitive failure, this approach informs the development of interventions and regulations aimed at discouraging TWD and improving road safety.
KW - cognitive failure
KW - covariance-based structural equation modeling
KW - distracted driving
KW - protection motivation theory
KW - texting while driving
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U2 - 10.1002/acp.4252
DO - 10.1002/acp.4252
M3 - Article
SN - 0888-4080
VL - 38
JO - Applied Cognitive Psychology
JF - Applied Cognitive Psychology
IS - 6
M1 - e4252
ER -