Problematic driving in former service members: An evaluation of the Driving Behavior Survey in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clapp, Joshua D.; Sloan, Denise M.; Unger, William; Lee, Daniel J.; Jun, Janie J.; Litwack, Scott D.; Beck, J. Gayle
• Is Part Of: Journal of anxiety disorders. Volume 67(2019:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Driving anxiety -- Driving behavior -- Military veterans -- Posttraumatic stress disorder -- Assessment; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Anxiety Disorders -- Periodicals; Angoisse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.8522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.102134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6185

Abstract

Highlights: Problematic driving behavior is identified as a significant veteran health issue. Few validated instruments are available assessing problematic behavior in veterans. 3-factor model of the Driving Behavior Survey (DBS) replicated in vets with PTSD. Data also provide evidence for concurrent, discriminant, and discriminative validity. DBS appears to be a valid measure of anxious driving behavior in veterans with PTSD. Abstract: Despite high levels of traffic-related mortality, injury, and impairment among former service members, measures validated to assess problematic driving in this population remain limited. The current study examined characteristics of the Driving Behavior Survey (DBS) in male veterans (76.3% White; age: M = 56.4, SD = 12.3) meeting criteria for PTSD. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated acceptable fit of a 3-factor model specifying dimensions of anxiety-based performance deficits, exaggerated safety/caution, and hostile/aggressive driving behavior. Concurrent associations with indices of anxiety, depression, trauma history, and clinician-rated PTSD were consistent with small ( r = .10–.29) to medium ( r = .30–.49) effects. Discriminative validity was noted through elevations in performance deficit ( d = .26), safety/caution ( d = .50), and hostile/aggressive ( d = .39) scales relative to published data from student drivers. Scores comparable to civilian motorists with accident-related PTSD help to qualify the severity of problematic driving behavior in trauma-exposed veterans.