Risky riders: A comparison of personality theories on motorcyclist riding behaviour

Abstract

ObjectiveFew studies have investigated the association between broad personality traits and motorcycle rider behaviours. Typically, studies have focused on specific variables such as Sensation Seeking and Aggression. This study extends the literature by investigating the trait facets of the Big Five and the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST). MethodAn internet-based questionnaire comprised of traditional (Sensation Seeking, Aggression) and novel (Big Five, Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory) personality scales, and the Motorcycle Rider Behaviour Questionnaire (MRBQ) were posted on various motorcycle internet forums. ResultsA North American sample of 550 motorcyclists completed the survey. Four separate hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with each personality theory entered step-by-step to predict the four riding behaviours from the MRBQ (errors, speeding, stunts, protective gear use) as the criterion variables. Consistent with previous literature the traditionally used personality traits, Sensation Seeking, and Aggression, were strongly associated with riding errors, speeding, and especially performing stunts. The addition of the Big Five facets contributed negligibly to riding behaviours with the greatest explained variance accounting for errors. The addition of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory was especially useful in accounting for motorcycle riding errors, and the use of protective gear. ConclusionAlthough research on personality theories and riding behaviour typically use more narrow trait scales this study demonstrates that physiologically-based, broader, measures such as the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory have a strong association with riding behaviours. Future research would benefit from the inclusion of such measures.