Personality Traits, Mental Health and Driving Anger among Commercial Drivers in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Driving anger has led to the alarming rate of road traffic crashes among commercial drivers. However, there is paucity of information linking personality traits and mental health to driving anger especially in Nigeria. The present study examined the role of personality traits and mental health on driving anger among commercial drivers. A cross sectional survey research design was used to select 326 (Mean = 38.76 years, SD = 2.24) drivers using a two-stage sampling technique in Lagos Metropolis. Data collection was through a self-reported questionnaire that measured personality traits, mental health and driving anger. Results indicated that there was significant positive association between mental health and driving anger. Result suggested a significant positive association between personality dimensions of humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience with driving anger.
There was also a significant joint prediction of mental health and personality (humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience on driving anger. Therefore, the study recommended that psychologists should assist the Federal Road Safety Corps in the screening of personality domains and unstable mental health responsible for anger driving.