Is Depression Associated With Risk Taking Behaviors While Driving Among College Students?
Location
Guzman Lecture Hall, Dominican University of California
Start Date
4-20-2017 12:30 PM
End Date
4-20-2017 1:30 PM
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor(s)
Michaela George, MPH, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol continues to be a prevalent public health issue. In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, which accounts for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (CDC). In addition, drugs other than alcohol (legal and illegal) are involved in about 16% of motor vehicle crashes (CDC). Although there have been studies regarding drinking and driving among college students (Lewis, 2012), as well as the effects of depression on drinking behaviors in college students (Pauley, 2009), there have been very few focused on the associations of depression and risk taking behaviors, such as speeding or driving under the influence of a controlled substance, among college aged students. From previous research, we know there is a relationship to distress tolerance, road rage, and aggressive and risky driving among college students (Beck, 2013). Previous research and data also shows that motor vehicle fatalities are due to risky driving behaviors, such as running red lights, driving over the speed limit, and driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance that can impair one’s judgment. If the motivations for risk taking behaviors while driving are better understood, more effective interventions and methods to prevent this dangerous behavior can be established, especially in higher risk populations such as college students. The aim of this study is to research the association of depression with risk taking behaviors while driving among college students. The questionnaire will gather information on the following research question: Is depression associated with risk taking behaviors while driving among college students?
Is Depression Associated With Risk Taking Behaviors While Driving Among College Students?
Guzman Lecture Hall, Dominican University of California
Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol continues to be a prevalent public health issue. In 2014, 9,967 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, which accounts for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (CDC). In addition, drugs other than alcohol (legal and illegal) are involved in about 16% of motor vehicle crashes (CDC). Although there have been studies regarding drinking and driving among college students (Lewis, 2012), as well as the effects of depression on drinking behaviors in college students (Pauley, 2009), there have been very few focused on the associations of depression and risk taking behaviors, such as speeding or driving under the influence of a controlled substance, among college aged students. From previous research, we know there is a relationship to distress tolerance, road rage, and aggressive and risky driving among college students (Beck, 2013). Previous research and data also shows that motor vehicle fatalities are due to risky driving behaviors, such as running red lights, driving over the speed limit, and driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance that can impair one’s judgment. If the motivations for risk taking behaviors while driving are better understood, more effective interventions and methods to prevent this dangerous behavior can be established, especially in higher risk populations such as college students. The aim of this study is to research the association of depression with risk taking behaviors while driving among college students. The questionnaire will gather information on the following research question: Is depression associated with risk taking behaviors while driving among college students?