Citation

Boyle GJ. Accid. Anal. Prev. 1984; 16(5-6): 383-386.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

The Eight State Questionnaire (8SQ), and the Motivation Analysis Test (MAT) were administered to 58 college students before and after viewing a five-minute film segment, portraying graphic documentary scenes of automobile accident victims, and part of a pathologist's autopsy of a road victim. Presentation of this high-threat stimulus induced an intense elevation in several emotional and motivational states. Most changes implied a generalised psychological disorientation and concomitant diminution in motor skills. In accord with previous evidence, the present findings suggested that fear appeals are probably ineffective in augmenting safer driving behaviors.