Comparison Of Optimization Research Articles

Comparative optimism and risky road traffic behaviors among high‐risk sports practitioners

This study examines the relationship between participation in risky sports, comparative optimism (CO), and risky road traffic behaviors among a sample of adult men. We surveyed high‐risk (n = 313) and low‐risk (n = 53) sports practitioners, and non‐sportsmen (n = 89), assessing their CO, as well as their self‐reported risky behaviors and their accident experiences while driving a car. Results show that high‐risk sports practitioners expressed CO regarding the quality of their reflexes while driving and their vulnerability to traffic accidents. High‐risk sportsmen reported more risky behaviors while driving a car than the members of the other groups, and some of them, namely BASE‐jumpers, have experienced more traffic accidents. High‐risk sportsmen’s risky behaviors and accident experiences did not prevent them from expressing CO regarding their vulnerability to road accidents. Results are discussed, as well as putative psychological mechanisms underlying high‐risk sport practitioners’ CO and risky behaviors while driving.

Comparative optimism among drivers: An intergenerational portrait

We describe a large cross-sectional study examining comparative optimism (CO) regarding the risk of car crash in three age cohorts (17–26, 27–64, 65 and older). The participants completed a questionnaire in which they were asked to indicate their personal risk of being in an at-fault crash over nine driving related events in comparison to young drivers, mid-aged drivers, and older drivers. The results indicated that all three age groups exhibited CO, but that the level varied according to the age group on which they had to base their comparative judgment. Interestingly, greater CO was constantly observed when the three age groups compared themselves to older drivers. Also, young males exhibited greater CO than female of the same age group.

Road-tunnel fires: Risk perception and management strategies among users

The present study was aimed at investigating road users’ perceptions and behaviors in case of a fire in a tunnel. It is grounded on the idea that in order to effectively prevent accidents and fires in tunnels, it may be useful to take tunnel users’ beliefs, representations, and coping strategies into account [Kouabenan, D.R., 1998. Beliefs and the perception of risks and accidents. Risk Analysis, an International Journal 18, 243–252; Kouabenan, D.R., 2001. Management de la sécurité: rôle des croyances et des perceptions. In : Lévy-Léboyer, C., Huteau, M., Louche, C., Rolland, J.P. (Eds.), RH: Les apports de la psychologie du travail. Les Editions d’Organisation, Paris, pp. 453–474; Kouabenan, D.R., Cadet, B., 2005. Risk evaluation and accident analysis. Advances in Psychology Research 36, 61–80; Kouabenan, D.R., Dubois, M., Scarnato, F., De Gaudemaris, R., Mallaret, M.R., 2007. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Risk Perception by Healthcare Personnel in a Public Hospital. Social Behavior and Personality, 35, 1] One hundred and fifty-one road users (firemen, truck drivers, regular drivers, and driving-school students) filled out a questionnaire measuring their perceptions of risks and control in road tunnels, their awareness of safety and rescue devices, their level of anxiety, and their behavioral intentions in the event of a fire in a road tunnel. The results indicated a relationship between fire-risk perception, awareness of rescue and safety devices, and road-tunnel experience; a tendency toward comparative optimism (CO); an effect of perceived control on optimism; and a relationship between CO and awareness of safety devices. A significant interaction was found between tunnel users’ anxiety level and their perceived control over the situation. The evacuation behaviors and coping strategies reported by the participants were far from reflecting the expected behaviors. Recommendations for a long-term prevention policy bearing jointly on beliefs, behaviors, improved information and warning systems are suggested.