The relationship between personality traits and emotional intelligence with the driving behavior of intercity bus drivers

Dissertation for Master's Degree (M.A)

Trend: General

Relationship between personality traits and emotional intelligence with driving behavior of intercity bus drivers

Researcher: Arman Menajati

Abstract:

The present research is of a descriptive-correlation type with the general purpose of investigating and explaining the predictive role of personality traits and intelligence An experiment was conducted in the driving behavior of Shiraz intercity bus drivers. The statistical population of the present study included all drivers of suburban buses of Shiraz passenger companies in the number of approximately 1200 people, of which 202 drivers were selected as the research sample using available sampling method and were evaluated using personality, emotional intelligence and driving behavior questionnaires, and the statistical findings were analyzed in the form of descriptive statistics (Pearson correlation) and inferential statistics (multiple regression and one-way analysis of variance) and the following results were obtained. Findings: 1- Among the dimensions of personality traits, only the dimension of conscientiousness is a negative predictor of driving behavior, and the five personality variables predict a total of 9% of the total variance of the driving behavior variable. 2- Among the components of emotional intelligence, the dimension of self-awareness is a negative and significant predictor of driving behavior, and the components of emotional intelligence are able to explain 21% of the total variance of the variable of driving behavior. 3- There is a significant difference between the driving behavior of bus drivers according to age, and drivers aged 20 to 30 have reported higher driving behavior than drivers aged 50 and above. 4- No difference was observed between the driving behavior of bus drivers according to their work history. 5- Between the driving behavior of self-employed drivers and other drivers, the difference was significant in favor of the group of self-employed drivers. 6- No difference was observed between the driving behavior of bus drivers according to education.

**Note: Driving behavior is a general score from the Manchester questionnaire that introduces errors, mistakes and violations.

Key words: personality traits, emotional intelligence, driving behavior, drivers.

Introduction:

Today, one of the main components In strengthening sustainable development, the problem is to improve the health of the society. Because the axis of sustainable development is a healthy human being. On the other hand, human driving in today's world is facing many dangers. Among the most important and significant dangers that threaten people's lives in different countries of the world today is the increase in intentional and unintentional accidents and injuries that cause the death of more than 6 million people in the world every year (Shakrinia, 2018).

Driving accidents and their consequences, especially in developing countries, are considered as one of the most important causes of death and injuries. In our country, in addition to causing economic damage, traffic accidents cause severe human casualties (Fam Iraj, 2015).

It is estimated that two million people worldwide die due to road accidents every year, and the number of traffic injuries per year is estimated to be more than 15 million. Our country is no exception to this rule; But what distinguishes our country in this field is the growing trend of traffic accidents in the country and its comparison with other countries in the world. In this regard, many researches have investigated the causes of accidents and accidents, and most of them mention drivers' driving violations as one of the major and main causes (Arizi and Haqat, 2018).

These researches have also shown that a certain group of people have more traffic accident statistics and this group differs from others in some personality characteristics. In a study that has dealt with the relationship between personality and individual differences, it has been shown that the score of the personality trait of sensation seeking shows the highest probability of committing violence while driving (Burgess, 2002). Therefore, in addition to personality traits, challenging emotional issues can also affect the driving behavior of drivers. In other words, things related to driving happen all the time due to the fact that they are unpredictable things and drivers are very different in dealing with this issue due to their individual personality traits. Many drivers consider this situation as an emotional tension and as a result find it difficult to deal with it. On the other hand, drivers often have competitive motivation and are not aware of their emotional distress.This affects their motives and goals and distorts the driver's thinking and increases emotions beyond the person's control. Drivers who get involved in these kinds of emotions engage in impulsive and risky behaviors that encourage drivers to be selfish and self-righteous (Ebrahimi Qavam, 2018).

In general, according to what has been said, a high emotional intelligent driving score means having a positive profile in personality components. Therefore, people's driving can be evaluated according to their psychological profile in these components. The current research also aims to investigate the relationship between personality traits (neo) and emotional intelligence with drivers' driving behavior.

Statement of the problem:

Driving violations are always one of the causes of problems, dilemmas and traffic accidents in all societies, which will be different depending on the cultural, social, economic and geographical context of the societies. Transit units and so on are also involved, but human causes as the main factor are the highest percentage of violations (Haqshana et al., 2007).

There are many driving conditions, especially psychological, moral and social conditions. Therefore, having a driver's license is not proof that people are fully qualified to drive; Maybe people who have proper eyesight; But they suffer from psychological, social and cultural problems. Having good vision alone cannot be a criterion for driving competence; Rather, it is experience, natural talents, accuracy and mental balance that qualify a person to drive. The first research on driving qualification and the effects of the driver's mental state was conducted in 1929 in America; The focus of this research was "human behavior". In this research, the researchers found that approximately 96% of the accidents are caused by experienced drivers who have personality problems (Nawabi et al., 2015).

In general, each person has a series of characteristics that make them regularly and permanently show a certain behavior. These characteristics together make up the personality of each person. The relationship between personality traits 1 and driving behavior has been studied by many in the world. It seems that certain elements of the personality cause law-breaking behaviors, since these behaviors lead to the fulfillment of some of the individual's personal needs, although it is contrary to the legal system of the surrounding environment.  In past research, about 90% of accidents have been related to behavioral characteristics and have shown that in 90-95% of accidents, human behavior is the main determining factor. In other words, personality traits can be related to traffic behavior and the way a person drives. Many evidences indicate the existence of a relationship between personality traits and the behavior of high-risk drivers (Mohmandar, 2008). Risky driving behavior means committing two or more violations that endanger people or other vehicles, in other words, any intentional violation that requires a defensive reaction from the other driver (Battiste 1, 2005). This research has also shown that a certain group of people have more traffic accident statistics and this group differs from others in some personality characteristics. In a study that has dealt with the relationship between personality and individual differences, it has been shown that the score of the personality trait of sensation seeking 2 shows the most likely to commit violence while driving (Burgess 3, 2002). Normal or safe driving is an activity with controlled movements in which the driver must obtain information and data related to driving from different ways, especially from the way of seeing, and make decisions based on them in the mind and implement his decisions in the best way in order to be able to move. Always be safe (Santoz 4, 2005; quoted by Mousavi, 2018).

In a study conducted in Iran that examined the relationship between stimulation seeking and risky driving behavior, it was also shown that the overall score of stimulation seeking and its three subscales, including experience seeking, excitement seeking, and variety seeking, have a positive and significant correlation with risky driving behaviors (Guderzai and Shirazi, 2018). Personality elements can cause people to perform certain behaviors that satisfy the individual's personal needs related to his psychological, biological and social characteristics.