Understanding the role of self-identity in habitual risky behaviours : Pedestrian road-crossing decisions across the lifespan

Holland, C. A. and Hill, R. and Cooke, Richard (2009) Understanding the role of self-identity in habitual risky behaviours : Pedestrian road-crossing decisions across the lifespan. Health Education Research, 24 (4). pp. 674-685. ISSN 0268-1153

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Abstract

Self-identity as a careful pedestrian has not been fully considered in previous work on predicting intention to cross the road, or actual crossing behaviour, in non-optimal situations. Evidence suggests that self-identity may be a better predictor than attitudes in situations where decision-making styles have become habitual ways to respond. This study compared contributions of self-identity and attitudes to the prediction of intentions in two situations differing in level of habitual crossing expectation, and to crossing behaviour. Three hundred and sixty-two adults (17-92 years) completed a questionnaire measuring self-identity, attitudes, intentions, experience, social identity variables (e.g. age, gender) and personal limitations (mobility). Two hundred and five participants also completed a road-crossing simulation. Self-identity and attitude were both shown as significant independent predictors of intention in both situations. However, self-identity was less effective as a predictor in the higher risk scenario, where intention to perform the behaviour was lower, and for participants aged >75 years who had lower intention across scenarios. Self-identity strongly predicted intention to cross, which in turn predicted behaviour, but self-identity did not directly predict behaviour. Self-identity was strongly predicted by age. Implications for theories of compensation in older age and for design and targeting of pedestrian safety education are discussed.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Health Education Research
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/3300/3304
Subjects:
?? educationpublic health, environmental and occupational health ??
ID Code:
128581
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
25 Oct 2018 13:58
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
28 Nov 2023 11:28