Work–family conflict and dangerous driving behaviours: The mediating role of affect

Abstract

This study examined the under-studied relationship between work-family conflict and dangerous driving behaviours in a sample of employees, and job-related affect as a mediator of this relationship. The sample consisted of 476 Malaysian drivers (44.7% male; 55.3% female) aged 19-60 years. The participants completed scales measuring bidirectional work family conflict (work interference with family[ WIF]; family interference with work [FIW]), job-related negative affect, dangerous driving behaviours and socio-demographics. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. Our findings indicate that dangerous driving was predicted by FIW, but not WIF. As predicted, job-related negative affect fully mediated the relationship between WIF and dangerous driving. Furthermore, the effect of FIW on dangerous driving behaviours was partially due to negative affect at work. Mediation path was conditional upon gender, suggesting the indirect effects of the relationship between FIW and dangerous driving behaviours via job affect occurs in males but not females. The findings of this study may be useful as a starting point for both applied and theoretical investigations of the role of the psychological effects of juggling work and family responsibilities and affect in traffic safety.

Masculine Identity: How It Affects Street Racing and Aggressive Behaviour in Young Motorcyclists

“…This finding is corroborated by studies that show the need to be powerful, dominant, respected, and reckless driving are avenues to express masculinity (Begg & Langley, 2001;Harré et al, 2000;Janssens et al, 2007;. There is a correlation between masculinity and driving styles, where men are more likely to engage in aggressive driving and speeding (Guggenheim et al, 2020;Maxwell et al, 2020;Shukri et al, 2021). Violence, intimidation, and domineering attitudes were displayed among illegal racers which was a sign of high masculine identity.…”

Psychosocial work conditions and traffic safety among minibus and long-bus drivers

“… 7 , 26 In the regression model it was found that several psychosocial work factors such as supervisor support, decision autonomy, skill discretion, psychological demands, work–family conflicts, and PSC predicted the occurrence of RTCs, as also reported in previous studies. 13 , 16 – 18 , 25 For instance, job demands, job resources, and work–family conflicts are associated with RTCs among rapid bus transit operators, intercity bus drivers, and other professional drivers in Colombia 6 , 15 , 17 , 25 and Malaysia. 18 …”

“… 13 , 16 – 18 , 25 For instance, job demands, job resources, and work–family conflicts are associated with RTCs among rapid bus transit operators, intercity bus drivers, and other professional drivers in Colombia 6 , 15 , 17 , 25 and Malaysia. 18 …”

“… 6 , 14 , 15 On the other hand, a lack of social support from co-workers and supervisors is a risk factor for RTCs. 6 , 15 – 18 Other psychosocial work factors, such as work–family conflicts 18 and job insecurity, have been reported as significant predictors of risky driving behaviors leading to RTCs. 6 …”

“…Despite the importance of traffic safety to drivers, there is a significant research gap in the road transport sector in Ghana, particularly concerning the role of psychosocial work factors in explaining the occurrence of RTCs. Thus, although there is some evidence from the international community linking psychosocial work factors to traffic safety outcomes among bus drivers, 6 , 15 , 17 , 18 little is known about the specific context of commercial drivers in Ghana. This lack of evidence explains why most road safety initiatives in Ghana have ignored the importance of drivers’ working conditions.…”