The Differential Associations of Functional and Dysfunctional Impulsivity With Driving Style: a Simulator Study

Abstract

The present study investigated the impulsivity and driving style link by measuring driver behaviors on the driving simulator. Previous studies examining this relationship mostly used self-report instruments to measure both impulsivity and driving related outcomes, therefore this study aims to test this association by using a relatively more objective measurement tool than self-report. Moreover, the associations of functional impulsivity dimension with driving style has been investigated, in addition to the dysfunctional impulsivity dimension, which has been predominantly studied in the literature. Finally, both general and driving context specific functional and dysfunctional impulsivity dimensions were included in the analyses of the current study. Eighty (40 women) young drivers (19-25) participated in the present simulator study, and functional and dysfunctional impulsivity dimensions yielded different patterns of associations with driver behavior measures on the simulator. For instance, functional impulsivity yielded significant associations with standard deviation of lateral lane position, while dysfunctional impulsivity was significantly associated with mean velocity. Eye-movements of the participants while driving on the simulator were also recorded and examined as an explorative effort. The findings are discussed with regard to previous research. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.