Self-assessment of driving ability and the decision to resume driving following stroke

Abstract

The decision to resume driving after stroke can be complicated by the sequelae of stroke as well as the established finding that even healthy adults overestimate their driving ability. This study evaluated whether stroke survivors (n = 67) disproportionately overestimated their driving ability as compared to healthy significant others (n = 67). Comparison to a known target reduced self-bias among both groups, but shift toward enhanced accuracy was significantly greater among survivors than significant others. Additionally, self-bias may reflect a pervasive trait of cognitive ability, as overestimation of driving ability was paralleled on a cognitive estimation task. Use of a specific criterion can facilitate accurate self-ratings of driving ability among survivors; however, actual decisions regarding driving status may be unrelated to self-view.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• Driving
• Self-assessment
• Decision making
• Cognitive estimation

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research, awarded to the second author (H133G050134), and by a Wayne State University Thesis grant, awarded to the first author.