Self-determination theory as a framework for understanding road rage

The present study examined relations between motivational orientations, dri ving anger, and aggressive driving behaviors. It was hypothesized that the tendency to regulate behavior according to contingencies and pressures (con trolled orientation), as opposed to interest and choice (autonomy orientati on), would be associated with experiencing more driving anger and in turn d riving more aggressively. Data from 109 college students were examined. As hypothesized, (a) controlled orientation was associated with feeling more d riving anger as a result of other drivers ' actions: (b) controlled orienta tion was associated with more aggressive driving behaviors and more traffic citations; (c) the relation between controlled orientation and aggressive driving was mediated by driving anger; and (d) self-esteem and social anxie ty did not account for the results of motivational orientations.