Abstract:
Driver fatigue is associated with risks of road accidents that result in injury and death. Research has been limited by several issues such as
confusion over definitions, how best to measure fatigue, and the contribution of psychological factors to fatigue. This study addressed these
limitations by investigating the relationship between psychological factors and fatigue. Participants were assessed and were required to
perform a monotonous task till they tired. Results found few psychological factors to be related to physiological and performance decrement
fatigue outcome measures. However, psychological factors were found to correlate consistently with self-reported fatigue. The results suggest
that fatigue is associated with a predisposition to be anxious, depressive, less self-assured, more conscientious (rule bound), less socially bold,
less adaptable and low vigour. The results indicate that future research should employ a range of fatigue outcome measures in order to best
understand what factors contribute to fatigue.
