[Temperament and perceived stress in road traffic].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the temperamental traits of drivers and the level of stress experienced in driving situations (the research was based on Strelau's Regulative Theory of Temperament).


METHODS
The study was performed on 214 professional drivers aged 21-65 years. The data were obtained using the following instruments: Formal Characteristics of Behaviour -- The Temperament Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale and Road Traffic Events questionnaires.


RESULTS
The findings revealed that the drivers who are more likely to experience stress under conditions of road traffic are those who a) effectively regulate stimulation: they tend to reduce arousal and avoid strong stimulation and b) ineffectively regulate stimulation: they try to reduce arousal but get involved in highly stimulating situations.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between one's temperament and the perceived stress from road traffic found in the present study indicates the necessity to take account of this factor in preventing the drivers' stress.
Waszkowska
Małgorzata
M
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Lódź, Zakład Psychologii Pracy. waszko@imp.lodz.pl
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D001143:Arousal; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament