CARTEEH logo with green car and plant

Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Reduced Stress Levels

Data Collection Data collection to measure stress level due to lack or limited access to transportation can be challenging. Often, self-reported surveys like Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (ISSL); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); and Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) can be used to measure an individual’s stress conditions in the presence of a stressor.

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Data collection to measure stress level due to lack or limited access to transportation can be challenging. Often, self-reported surveys like Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (ISSL); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); and Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) can be used to measure an individual’s stress conditions in the presence of a stressor like “lack or reduced access to transportation”.1 This method, however, is prone to bias, as stress level perception varies between individuals. Also, biological indicators such as the level of stress hormones (like cortisol) in target populations can be estimated. The data can be collected and compared to the result provided by the above survey results.1

Examples

Vanpooling Effect On Stress

Vanpooling is used in the United States to reduce commuters’ stress levels. It is a strategy that allows up to 15 participants commuting together. In a study conducted by Ditmore et al. (2018), it was reported that “Vanpoolers” have significantly lower stress lever compared to single occupancy vehicle (SOV) counterparts. In the study, stress level was used as a measurable indicator to prove the effectiveness of vanpooling mode of transportation on health improvement.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2018.11.001

Other References

A) Berkman, L.F., Syme, S.L. Social networks, host resistance, and mortality: a nine-year follow-up study of Alameda County residents. Am J Epidemiol. 1979;109(2):186–204.https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a112674

B) House, J.S., Landis, K.R., Umberson. D. Social relationships and health. Science (80-) 1988; 241(4865):540–5.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3399889

C) Chida, Y., Hamer, M. Chronic psychosocial factors and acute physiological responses to laboratory-induced stress in healthy populations: a quantitative review of 30 years of investigations. Psychol Bull. 2008; 134(6):829–85.https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013342

D) Dickerson, S.S., Kemeny, M.E. Acute stressors and cortisol responses: a theoretical integration and synthesis of laboratory research. Psychol Bull. 2004; 130(3):355–91.https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909/130.3.355

E) National Center for Mobility Management. (2020). “The Role of Transportation in Addressing Social Isolation in Older Adults.”https://nationalcenterformobilitymanagement.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FINAL_CONDENSED_SOCIAL-ISOLATION-RESEARCH-PAPER.pdf