25th Annual Student Research Conference
An Examination of the Relationship between Personality and Intended Bicycle Helmet Use
Siera Ramsey
Dr. Jennifer R. Hurst and Dr. Roberta Donahue, Faculty Mentors
This study examines the relationship between personality types and helmet use among undergraduate students from a smaller liberal arts university. The Big-Five Trait Taxonomy (John & Srivastava, 1999) was used to assess personality characteristics in relation to risky behavior associated with helmet use. In concordance with the Theory of Planned Behavior (Azjen, 1998) this study incorporates both direct and indirect measures of attitude, perceived social norms, and perceived control, as predictors of behavior toward bicycle helmet use. An original survey was constructed combining the Big Five Inventory (John & Srivastava, 1999) questionnaire along with an self-constructed questionnaire designed according to the guidelines of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Regression analysis was conducted to explore the most influencing factor of the Theory of Planned Behavior on bicycle helmet use. A series of t- tests were conducted to investigate difference in bicycle helmet use in subjects high and low in each dimension of the Big Five Trait Taxonomy.
Keywords: bicycle, helmet, personality, health-risk behavior
Topic(s):Health Science
Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 600-10
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30