“Getting Around Town”: A Preliminary Investigation of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Intent to Change Driving Behaviors Among Older Adults

Abstract

Research on why older adults change their driving behavior has typically neglected the psychological processes involved in this change. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine relations among difficulties with driving behaviors, motives toward driving, and intent to change driving behavior. A random sample of 224 drivers aged 60 and older reported on their driving-related motives and intentions within the framework of the theory of planned behavior and reported on their driving difficulties. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the relationship between motives toward driving and intention to change driving behavior. The model had a borderline acceptable fit. Instrumental attitude and subjective norm were predictive of 30% of the variance in intentions to change driving. Perceived social pressures and perceived benefits of driving appear to influence older drivers' intentions to change driving behaviors.