Abstract
Self-identity as a careful pedestrian has not been fully considered in previous work on predicting intention to cross the road, or actual crossing behaviour, in non-optimal situations. Evidence suggests that self-identity may be a better predictor than attitudes in situations where decision-making styles have become habitual ways to respond. This study compared contributions of self-identity and attitudes to the prediction of intentions in two situations differing in level of habitual crossing expectation, and to crossing behaviour. Three hundred and sixty-two adults (17–92 years) completed a questionnaire measuring self-identity, attitudes, intentions, experience, social identity variables (e.g. age, gender) and personal limitations (mobility). Two hundred and five participants also completed a road-crossing simulation. Self-identity and attitude were both shown as significant independent predictors of intention in both situations. However, self-identity was less effective as a predictor in the higher risk scenario, where intention to perform the behaviour was lower, and for participants aged >75 years who had lower intention across scenarios. Self-identity strongly predicted intention to cross, which in turn predicted behaviour, but self-identity did not directly predict behaviour. Self-identity was strongly predicted by age. Implications for theories of compensation in older age and for design and targeting of pedestrian safety education are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 674-685 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Health Education Research |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2009 |
Keywords
- self-identity
- pedestrian
- predicting intention
- crossing behaviour
- attitudes
- decision-making styles
- habitual response
- prediction of intentions
- habitual crossing expectation
- intentions
- experience
- social identity
- personal limitations
- mobility
- road-crossing simulation
- pedestrian safety education