title: Stages of driving behavior change within the Transtheoretical Model (TM).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many older adults voluntarily restrict their driving or stop driving of their own accord. Driving behavior change may occur in stages, as predicted by the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change (TM).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study explored the process of older driver behavior change within the TM framework using interviews/focus groups with drivers and former drivers aged 71-94 years. Within those groups of drivers, driving behavior was divided into two classes: those who changed their driving with age and those who did not. Those who changed their driving as they aged included people gradually imposing restrictions ("gradual restrictors") and those making plans in anticipation of stopping driving ("preparers"). Participants who did not change their driving included those who employed lifelong driving restrictions ("consistent") and those who made no changes ("non-changers").
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preliminary support for TM within the driving context was found; however, further exploration of driving behavior change within this framework is warranted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important to continue to investigate the factors that might influence driving behavior in older adults. By promoting self-regulation in individuals, it may be possible to help older adults continue to drive, thereby improving older adult's mobility and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, PO Box 1700, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Behavioural Medicine Laboratory, Faculty of Education, University of Victoria, PO Box 3010 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3N4, Canada. Electronic address: kkowalsk@uvic.ca.
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kowalski
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, PO Box 1700, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Centre on Aging, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada. Electronic address: abraslav@uvic.ca.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeznach
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, PO Box 1700, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Centre on Aging, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada. Electronic address: htuokko@uvic.ca.
authors.forename: Holly Anna
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Tuokko
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001955:British Columbia; D003657:Decision Making; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012927:Social Control, Informal
keywords: Driving cessation; Driving restrictions; Older drivers; Qualitative analysis; Self-regulation