GabyResearchers believe that people with psychopathic traits are more likely to use their phones while driving. They also commit traffic violations more frequently than other drivers.
What scientists have learned
A large-scale study by a team of psychologists from the University of Regensburg (Germany) found a significant correlation between psychopathic traits and usage. mobile phone at the wheel.
According to the authors of the study, drivers who exhibited more pronounced traits of the “Dark Triad” of personality – Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy – were significantly more likely to use mobile phones and felt less guilty about it. Researchers also found that drivers with high levels of psychopathy were much more likely than others to violate traffic rules.
In psychology, the “dark triad” of personality refers to three traits that are considered dangerous to society. These are narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Narcissists are characterized by feelings of self-importance, self-love, and a lack of empathy. Machiavellianism involves manipulation, exploitation of others, cynicism, deceitfulness, and an excessive focus on one’s own interests. Psychopaths are inclined towards impulsivity, ruthlessness, and also lack compassion.
How the research was conducted.
Psychologists involved 989 German drivers in their research. All of them underwent testing for the presence of each of the three traits of the “Dark Triad.” Researchers assessed their tendencies on a five-point scale, the publication reported. Daily Mail .
The results showed that the majority of participants (61 percent) admitted to occasionally using their phone while driving.
Researchers found that higher scores for any of the three traits of the dark triad are associated with more active phone use while driving.
“People with traits of the ‘Dark Triad’ are generally more likely to use their phones while driving,” the researchers noted.
They found that drivers with higher levels of narcissism and psychopathy were less likely to feel guilt for their inappropriate behavior while driving.
Meanwhile, those who scored high in Machiavellianism were more likely to try to hide their phone usage. Researchers also noted that psychopathic traits are a predictor of whether a person will break traffic rules.
The team calculated that for individuals who scored the minimum on the psychopathy scale, the likelihood of committing a traffic offense is 9.89 percent. For those with an average psychopathy score, the probability of committing an offense while driving is 24 percent.
For those who received the highest score for having this trait – 4.33 – the probability increases to 56 percent.
Maniacal dependence on the mobile phone
Participants were also assessed for so-called problematic smartphone use (PSU). This refers to a compulsive, excessive urge to use the phone that negatively impacts other areas of life.
Researchers noted that this phenomenon is surprisingly widespread. Fifty percent of respondents in a recent survey stated that they cannot live without smartphone .
The university team has now found evidence that PSU, regardless of other personality traits, is the strongest factor influencing phone use while driving.
It is worth noting that the study was conducted among law-abiding Germans who generally respect public order.
The results of the study were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
