The effect of metacognitive skills on dissociative driving behaviour: a pilot study of two brief attention-based training methods

• This study pilot tested two brief attention training methods for driver inattention. • The training improved drivers’ ability to regulate attention while driving. • The training reduced the frequency of dissociative driving experiences. • The training enhanced the regulation of broader thoughts, attention, and emotions. • Attention training methods are a feasible approach to reduce dissociative driving. Dissociative driving behaviour (e.g., distraction, inattention, mind wandering) poses a significant risk to road safety. This pilot study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two brief attention training methods − attention training technique (ATT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), for improving self-reported driving attention. The study was advertised on social media platforms and open to adult Australians who reported experiencing difficulties with dissociation when driving in the past week. Participants were randomly assigned to engage in ATT ( n = 20) or MBSR ( n = 23) every second day for a period of two weeks, whilst a control group ( n = 27) were asked to complete a weekly reflection task. All participants completed a survey relating to their thoughts and attention over the past week, before and after the training period. Preliminary correlation analyses showed that general attentional control, mindfulness, and disorganised thinking were relevant to driving-related attention. Mixed-model ANOVAs revealed that ATT and MBSR led to significant improvements in the self-reported ability to regulate attention whilst driving and the frequency of dissociative driving behaviours, over and above the control group. Improvements were also found in general attentional control, mindfulness, disorganised thinking, and psychological distress, particularly for the ATT group. The findings suggest that brief attention training methods are an accessible and effective means of intervening on dissociative driving behaviour. The outcomes of this study could inform future strategies aimed at reducing driving anxiety and attention-related vehicle crashes.