This paper presents the results of an empirical study in Switzerland, to obtain the information necessary for planning and developing a course for conspicuously drunken drivers who had offended twice. Such psychologically oriented courses are intended to show each participant and the group as a whole what conditions lead to relapse, and to work out alternative courses of action. The relevant conceptual outline was obtained from a model, based primarily on action theory, which emphasises the performer's social surroundings and action dispositions, an action's context, and the organisation and process of action during drink-driving. Data were obtained from a questionnaire on all the relevant variables in the model. The following steps were taken: (1) exclusion of pathological drinkers; (2) comparison of test and control groups; (3) investigation of the connection between model variables and action following a potential drink-driving situation. Clear indications were found that repeatedly conspicuous drunk drivers differ from conforming drivers, and that the problem should be tackled by a social psychological, action-oriented basis for interventions, whose details must still be formulated, in addition to person-oriented aspects.
Abstract