Prosocial and driver wellbeing

Does Prosocial Automation Increase Driver’s Well-Being?

Sooyeon Kim Shashank Mehrotra Kumar Akash Teruhisa Misu John D Lee

ASPIRE (HFES) 2024

 

Prosocial behaviors, which are actions intended to benefit others, assume increased importance in hybrid societies where autonomous technologies and human interactions coexist in public spaces (Harris et al., 2014; Sauer et al., 2019). They are essential for the smooth functioning of an interdependent transportation environment, especially in the hybrid mobility societies where cooperative interactions can mitigate the potential challenges posed by the integration of autonomous vehicles and human-operated systems. They are also significant in enhancing the well-being of individuals by creating more efficient, less stressful, and more inclusive transportation experiences (Vella-Brodrick et al., 2013). Research on how interdependent transportation elements affect well-being remains limited, lacking concrete methods, theories, and measurements for driver well-being. This study aims to explore the impact of diverse social situations on drivers' well-being under “Game of Chicken” conditions where the outcome of each person depends on the cooperative behavior of the other: if both compete the outcome is worse than when one cooperates and the other doesn’t. The concept of enhanced well-being through social interactions is extended to transportation, emphasizing the importance of prosocial behaviors among road users. Such interactions not only improve emotional health but also satisfy psychological needs for competence and relatedness, leading to greater overall satisfaction (Dunn, Aknin, & Norton, 2014; Aknin et al., 2013; Aknin et al., 2011). In the context of transportation, this translates to mutual benefits from cooperative actions among drivers, pedestrians, and riders, suggesting that fostering prosocial behavior in transportation settings can significantly enhance a driver's well-being and contribute to a more harmonious coexistence on the road. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) posits that nature exposure enhances executive functions and replenishes cognitive resources, while prosocial behaviors like kindness boost cognitive function and alleviate stress through positive social connections (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989; Atchley et al., 2012; Parks et al., 2012; Piff et al., 2010). Both activities engage the brain's default mode network (DMN), associated with introspection and social cognition, indicating their potential to improve cognitive and emotional well-being (Immordino-Yang et al., 2009; Waytz et al., 2012). This study investigates these effects in driving scenarios, employing cognitive tasks from nature research to assess well-being, aiming to enhance driver wellness through urban mobility design. In essence, this study examines the impact of prosocial behaviors on individual well-being in urban mobility, using interdependence to analyze social interactions in shared spaces and technologies. Focusing on the benefits of cooperative actions, it aims to address gaps in transportation design by showing how positive social conduct among drivers can mitigate negative behaviors, such as road rage. The research contributes to integrating social factors into driving systems and practices, enhancing safety and driver well-being.

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