Texting While Driving: A Test of Self-Control and Social Learning Explanations

• In Event: Self-control, Parenting, Measurement and Crime

Abstract

Despite its widespread prevalence and implications for traffic accidents and driver alertness, criminologists have only recently started to investigate the correlates of texting while driving (Gray, 2015; Quisenberry, 2015). The current study aims to add to this small body of literature by assessing the relative importance of self-control and social learning variables (attitudes, peer attitudes, peer norms) in accounting for between-person differences in texting while driving. A convenience sample of approximately 500 young adults is used to examine these relationships.

Authors

• Sinchul Back, Florida International University

• Ryan Charles Meldrum, Florida International University