Stress, self-efficacy and satisfaction with life on cyclists and drivers in Ireland
Authors
Dennehy, Laura
Issue Date
2016
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Introduction: An analysis of cyclists and drivers in Ireland using self-report methods to provide insight into stress, self-efficacy and satisfaction with life. Method: All instruments used in this study were self-administered online questionnaires. These included demographic questions on age, gender, commute type and commute time to work. Stress questions were used from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the 5 Item Satisfaction with Life Measure. Results: A significant difference was found in satisfaction with life levels of female cyclists who were found to have higher levels compared with males. Females were also found to have a negative correlation with self-efficacy and stress in both the cycling and driving group. Male drivers were found to have a negative correlation between satisfaction with life and stress and a positive correlation with satisfaction with life and self-efficacy. Discussion: Female uptake of cycling could be improved by increasing self-efficacy and reducing stress through appropriate cycling facilities, infrastructure and traffic management. Car commuting for males had an impact on stress which affected their life satisfaction, a finding that was not seen when they cycled, which could indicate a more stable mode of transport in psychological terms. Author keywords: Commute, car, bicycle, active travel, self-efficacy, satisfaction with life, stress, gender, length of commute, Ireland