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Ability Perceptions, Perceived Control, and Risk Avoidance Among Male and Female Older Drivers

Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

Address correspondence to T. D. Windsor, Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. E-mail: Tim.Windsor{at}anu.edu.au

We used responses from telephone interviews conducted with a community sample of 304 older drivers to investigate associations between perceived control over driving, driving ability perception (an index of unrealistic optimism), and self-reported avoidance of high-risk driving situations. We also investigated associations between perceived control over driving, ability perception, and indices of well-being (life satisfaction and depressive symptoms). Our results indicated that perceived control and perceived ability were each associated with reduced risk avoidance and well-being, with these associations moderated by gender. We discuss the results in terms of potentially adaptive and maladaptive consequences of pervasive perceptual biases, gender differences in primary and secondary control strategies, and the importance of effective self-regulation for aging well.

Key Words: Control • Driving • Optimism bias