The present study builds upon previous survey research concerning the individual background characteristics that predispose individuals toward the use (and nonuse) of seat belts. Focus group discussions were conducted with a sample of college students to probe the subjective meanings associated with automobile seat belts. These discussions involved an intense exploration of the attitudes, meanings, and opinions associated with seat belts. The findings showed that meanings associated with seat belt use by this sample of young adults varied dramatically according to the driving context: solo or social trip, long or short distance, highway or local street, front or rear seat, small or large car, conventional auto as compared to a van. In general, the respondents indicated they have different feelings about seat belts in these different context. They are inclined to wear belts when they are driving alone or with parents, on long trips, highway driving, in small cars, and in a front seat. These meanings reflects their beliefs about the degree of danger in varying contexts. Further, the subjective meanings of seat belt use are linked strongly with their presentation-of-self within the adolescent subculture. That is, students are often concerned about being perceived as masculine (for the males), cool, not boring, a free-spirit, and not wimpy or nerdy. These concerns and norms are generally defined as contrary to the use of seat belts. On the other hand, the academically successful students are more likely to wear seat belts. The participants in the focus groups reported that the use of seat belts among high school students is particularly problematic because of the "time-out" spirit (partly time) that teenagers commonly associate with automobiles. In summary, in the adolescent subculture the feelings of autonomy, emancipation, and youthful energy are antithetical to seat belt use, particularly among students where peer approval and presentation-of-self are primary. (A)
Abstract