Feminine Gender Role Constructs and Aggressive Driving Behaviors

Abstract

Recent research indicates that there is a startling disparity between men and women in terms of aggressive driving behavior. While some of this research has focused on the relationship between sex and aggressive propensities while driving, almost none has actually taken into account gender role constructs as opposed to sex (Deffenbacher, Lynch, Filetti, Dahlen, & Oetting, 2003). The current study examined the relationship of gender role constructs and aggressive driving behavior in a driving simulator, which was used to induce frustration to elicit aggressive tendencies. As expected, participants with higher levels of feminine gender role expressed less physical, verbal and vehicular aggression than participants who adopted a more masculine gender role construct. Results also showed a significant relationship between feminine gender role construct and adaptive driving behaviors. Additionally, participants who adopted a masculine gender role construct, regardless of sex, expressed more physical aggression while driving and interpreted their arousal in a positive manner.