Anger on the Road: Moderating Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship Between Anger Rumination and Dangerous Driving Behaviors Among Young Motorbike Users

Young motorbike users are at great risk of accidents and there is a need to study the psychological and behavioral aspects regarding driving. The present study aimed to explore the relationship between anger rumination and dangerous driving behavior and moderating effect of trait emotional intelligence between these variables among young motorbike users. Sample of 200 young motorbike users of age range 18 to 26 years were taken from Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities of Pakistan, through purposive sampling technique. The assessment measures that were used in the study are Demographic Sheet, Dula Dangerous Driving Index (3DI), Anger Rumination Scale (ARS) and Trait Emotional Intelligence Scale-Short form (TEIQue-SF). Results of Pearson correlation showed that anger rumination is significantly positively correlating with dangerous driving behavior and its categories i.e. aggressive driving, risky driving and negative emotions while driving. Haye’s Process Model 1 was applied to analyze the moderating effect of trait emotional intelligence and results showed a significant moderating effect of trait emotional intelligence in the relationship between anger rumination and dangerous driving behavior. It was concluded that anger rumination has significant role in dangerous driving behavior and is an important factor but also trait emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between both. The findings of the study could be applied in the intervention programs for anger and anger management in order to improve driving ability, manage emotions and adjust their behaviors on the road.