The present study extends previous research on the relationship between social, demographic, and health related characteristics and the use of seat belts. Data were collected by using a health-risk appraisal inventory and a physical fitness test that were administered to 350 participants in the Bowling Green State University "Fitwell Program". The participants in the study included students, staff, faculty, and members of the general community. The mean age of the participants was 30 years. The focus of the investigation was on health-related variables and the use of seat belts. The theoretical assumption was that people who are concerned with their physical, emotional, and social well-being would also be more likely to be concerned with their safety when they get into a vehicle. The findings indicate that age, income, education, and a general satisfaction with one's life are associated with the likelihood of using seat belts. The following health related variables were found to be positively related to the use of seat belts: level of physical health, physical fitness, and physical activity. Conversely, the use of alcohol (especially liquor and wine) were negatively related to seat belt utilization. In summary, the health related variables were related to the use of seat belts in the direction predicted by the theoretical assumptions. The correlations were not strong, however, and none of them was robust enough to predict as much as 10 percent of the variance in seat belt use. The researchers suggest that the variable analysis of this study, and most previous research, does not adequately tap the depth of subjective meanings and feelings that are associated with the behaviour of people in vehicles. Additional research is suggested that would provide information on the variations in meanings that people attached to the use of seat belts. (A)
Abstract