Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Abstract

Vengeance is defined as the infliction of harm for a perceived injustice, and is considered a motivating factor in the expression of aggression. The Driver Vengeance Questionnaire (DVQ; [1]) was designed to assess drivers’ use of vengeance in response to common offensive driving situations. The purpose of the current study was to identify personality and individual difference measures which may be related to driver vengeance.

Method: A total of 170 undergraduate students were recruited to participate in a study of thoughts and feelings about driving. Respondents completed a series of paper-and-pencil questionnaires which included the DVQ, along with measures of narcissism, impulsivity, and trait driver stress.

Results: A hierarchical linear regression predicting DVQ score found that being male (ß=.23), narcissism (ß=.20), and trait driver stress (ß=.38) were significantly associated with vengeance. Impulsivity was significant in the third block of the regression, but was not a significant predictor of a vengeful attitude in the final block. Interactions between sex and the individual difference measures were not significant. The final model, F(4, 143) = 18.65, p<.001, accounted for 32% of the variance.

Conclusion: Consistent with previous research, narcissistic individuals reported more vengeful reactions to perceived wrongdoings in the roadway environment. Likewise, high trait stress drivers also reported more vengeance. Impulsivity was associated with driver vengeance, but was not significant once trait driver stress was entered into the regression. Given the high correlation between these two constructs, it is likely that they accounted for common variance. Thus, subject to confirmation in future research, it is reasonable to suggest that impulsive drivers are more likely to report behaving vengefully. Identification of drivers more likely to hold a vengeful roadway attitude, and the individual difference variables associated with vengeance, will further our understanding of vengeance as a motivating factor for driver aggression.

Christine M. Wickens, David L. Wiesenthal, James E.W. Roseborough