Glenna Cauble Psy 459 Fall 96 Report 3 Driving Behaviors

Report 3 Driving Behaviors

My first of two driving accounts which show examples of affective, cognitive and sensorimotor domains involves Laura Izutsu. Laura admits to being a moody driver (affective domain). She often does not realize that she is exhibiting risky driving behaviors until she must slam on the brakes in order to avoid an accident (sensorimotor domain). At such times, she often rationalizes her behavior by telling herself that she is running late for an appointment or that the other drivers are being careless (cognitive domain).

By rationalizing her behavior, Laura is condoning what she has done. If we do not accept our culpability, we will never come to realize that are actions have been wrong. One must train themselves to recognize the relationship between our thoughts and feelings. Our feelings will always dictate our behaviors-not the actions of others.

Sheldon Tawata has an interesting way of handling traffic stress. First, he envisions the worst case scenario for traffic (cognitive domain). I would think this tactic would increase the level of tension, but Sheldon finds that this prepares him and decreases his feelings of agression (affective domain). As a result, Sheldon says he is a much better driver and more sympathetic to those around him. These feelings are reflected in his actions when he allows drivers to merge, and does not constantly change lanes (sensorimotor domain) in hopes of getting to his destination a few minutes earlier.

If the technique of envisioning the worst case scenario eases tension for Sheldon, then I am happy that he has been able to find a way to improve his driving habits. One thing that concerns me, however, is the fact that he did not analyze why he became stressed in traffic to begin with. I think it would be much more helpful in the long run if he figured out what feelings were causing the unsympathetic actions he exhibited when he did not follow through with his stress-relieving exercise.

There is always a cycle of feelings, thoughts and actions. Our thoughts and actions are always rooted in a particular emotion; anger, the need to control, etc. It is sometimes difficult to untangle the web of feelings and thoughts, but it is well worth the energy if it can bring about some inner peace.


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