Strain, boredom, and self-control: Extending general strain theory to texting while driving

The individual and societal dangers surrounding texting while driving have recently surged into the lens of mainstream media, as well as into the focus of prominent psychological, sociological, and criminological research. This amplified consideration is attributable to the 3,477 fatalities and 391,000 injuries resulting from distracted driving in 2015, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA; 2017). Texting while driving has been deemed the most alarming form of distracted driving by the NHTSA, and prior research has indicated that participation in the act is substantial for motor vehicle operators (Harrison, 2011; Nelson, Atchley, & Little, 2009; Quisenberry, 2015). Stricter laws have been implemented to curb participation in texting while driving; however, research has shown that individuals engage in this action notwithstanding these harsh sanctions. Explanations concerning why individuals engage in this treacherous activity is the first step in combating participation in texting while driving. This study extended Agnew's (1992) general strain theory to explain an individual's willingness to engage in the aforementioned injurious action. Secondary data analysis was employed on the Survey on Mobility and Mobile Communication, an online survey instrument (n=925) that examined the psychological elements underlying mobile media and communication habits. Total strain (combination of removal of a positively valued stimuli, strain/frustration, and negative affective state) was analyzed against prevalence of texting while driving behaviors, with constraint levels being utilized as a comparing measure. Results indicated support for the extension of the general strain theory model to texting while driving behaviors. Limitations and policy recommendations are discussed within.