Modern Psychological Studies
Volume
30
Number
1
Publisher
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Place of Publication
Chattanooga (Tenn.)
Date
2024
Abstract
Many commuters view their commute as a waste of time. Although there is an ample amount of research on commuting, there is limited research on what negatively impacts the commuting experience. The current study sought to evaluate the relationship between commuters and their everyday commute. The following factors (i.e., gender identity, age, length, unpredictability, delays, time pressures, and congestion) were evaluated to predict seeing one’s commute as a waste of time. We hypothesized that men and younger commuters, as well as those who were unsatisfied with the length, unpredictability, delays, time pressures, and congestion during the commute, would find their commutes more of a waste of time. We also predicted that those who used their commute productively would not see it as a waste of time. For this study, 490 participants took an online survey. Using hierarchical multiple regressions, we found that gender identity, length, unpredictability, and time pressures predicted seeing one’s commute to work as a waste of time. The same predictors, except for time pressures, that were significant for commuting to work were also significant predictors from work. However, delays and congestion were additional predictors. Women reported that they viewed their commute to and from work as more of a waste of time. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Discipline
Psychology
Document Type
article
DCMI Type
Text
Language
English
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Recommended Citation
Butler, Trishyne J. and Hughes, Jennifer L.
(2024)
"Factors contributing to viewing automobile commuting as a waste of time,"
Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 30:
No.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol30/iss1/3
Department
Dept. of Psychology