Does a threat appeal moderate reckless driving? A terror management theory perspective

摘要

A series of two studies examined the effects of threat appeals on reckless driving from a terror management theory perspective. In both studies, all the participants (N=109) reported on the relevance of driving to their self-esteem, and then, half of them were Exposed to a road trauma film and the remaining to a neutral film. In Study 1, the dependent variable was the self-report of Intentions to drive recklessly in hypothetical scenarios. In Study 2, the dependent variable was actual behavior (driving speed) in a driving simulator. Findings indicated that a road trauma film led to less reported intentions of reckless driving, but to higher Driving speed than a neutral film. These effects were only found among participants who perceived driving as relevant to their Self-esteem. The discussion emphasized the self-enhancing mechanisms proposed y the terror management theory.