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Driving impairments associated with depressive symptomatology

Venugopal, Vivek
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1251340079

Abstract Details

2009, MA, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Psychological Sciences.
Past research suggests that individuals with depression may be at a high risk for involvement in motor vehicle accidents on account of neuropsychological deficits such as psychomotor disturbances and impaired attention. The present study sought to identify any driving impairments exhibited by individuals with depressive symptoms, as well as the underlying neuropsychological deficits responsible for these impairments. A sample of 67 college students completed a set of questionnaires measuring depressive symptoms and associated cognitive styles, followed by a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing attention and psychomotor speed. Next, they performed a simulated driving task on the STISIM Driving Simulator (Build 2.08.03) by Systems Technology Inc., a software package configured to control: (a) a steering wheel; and (b) a foot pedal set consisting of a brake and an accelerator. Statistical analyses revealed no significant associations among depressive symptoms, neuropsychological functioning, and driving ability. Range restriction on critical study variables such as levels of depressive symptomatology and neuropsychological impairment, as well as the small sample size may explain these null findings. Future directions for the research on depression-related driving impairments are discussed.
Jeffrey Ciesla, PhD (Committee Chair)
Joel Hughes, PhD (Committee Member)
John Gunstad, PhD (Committee Member)
John Updegraff, PhD (Committee Member)
66 p.
Psychology
depression; driving impairment; driving; attention

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Venugopal, V. (2009). Driving impairments associated with depressive symptomatology [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1251340079

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Venugopal, Vivek. Driving impairments associated with depressive symptomatology. 2009. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1251340079.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Venugopal, Vivek. "Driving impairments associated with depressive symptomatology." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1251340079

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1251340079
585
© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.