Exploratory study on prosocial and aggressive behavior of drivers

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22544/rcps.v44i01.06

Keywords:

Road safety, Accident prevention, Aggressive driving, youths, adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore prosocial and aggressive driving behavior in a convenience sample in which 202 people between 19 and 67 years of age from different careers and academic areas of a university community in San José, Costa Rica, participated. Two measurement scales were used: the Prosocial and Aggressive Driving Inventory (PADI) by Harris et al. (2014), translated into Spanish and adapted for the Costa Rican population, and the Escala de medición de la conducta prosocial-antisocial en el ámbito vital y en el tráfico (Scale for measuring prosocial-antisocial behavior in the living environment and in traffic) by López et al. (2008). The results indicate that as age increases, people are more prosocial while driving. In terms of gender, women show greater assertiveness than men and men show more aggressive behavior while driving. The adaptation of the instruments used and their good internal consistency indicate that they can be used in other investigations. This study suggests actions to prevent aggressive behavior on the road based on strengthening prosocial behaviors from childhood.

Author Biography

Kathia Alvarado Calderón, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica

Professor and researcher at the School of Guidance and Special Education and the Institute for Educational Research (INIE) at the University of Costa Rica. She holds a master's degree in psychology, a doctorate in education, and a diploma in meaning in life and logotherapy. Her main areas of research focus on prosocial behavior and peace, school climate, meaning in life for young people, and psychopedagogy.

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Published

2025-06-11

How to Cite

Alvarado Calderón, K. (2025). Exploratory study on prosocial and aggressive behavior of drivers. Costa Rican Journal of Psychology, 44(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.22544/rcps.v44i01.06