The impact of feedback on self-rated driving ability and driving self-regulation among older adults

Gerontologist. 2011 Jun;51(3):367-78. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnq082. Epub 2010 Nov 11.

Abstract

In 129 community-dwelling older adults, feedback regarding qualification for an insurance discount (based on a visual speed of processing test; Useful Field of View) was examined as a prospective predictor of change in self-reported driving ability, driving avoidance, and driving exposure over 3 months, along with physical, visual, health, and cognitive variables. Multiple regression models indicated that after controlling for baseline scores on the outcome measures, failure to qualify was a significant predictor of increased avoidance over 3 months (p = .02) but not change in self-rated driving ability or exposure. Female gender (p = .03) was a significant predictor of subsequent lower self-rated driving ability. Overall, the findings of this study provide support for the role of feedback in the self-monitoring of older adults' driving behavior through avoidance of challenging driving situations but not through driving exposure or self-rated driving ability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alabama
  • Automobile Driving / psychology*
  • Cognition
  • Feedback*
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self-Assessment*
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Control, Informal
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Visual Field Tests