New Study Highlights Importance Of Mental Health In The Safety Of Automated Driving

Automated driving is expected to reduce road fatalities and reduce carbon emissions. A study published today in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology by Professor Günter Meinlschmidt of the International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) in Berlin found that 41% of respondents expected to experience phobias when using a car autonomously.

The results of the study highlight the importance of mental health considerations when evaluating the safety of these systems and the need to address mental health issues for the successful integration of autonomous vehicles into society.

Autopilot anxiety is common, according to a nationally representative study.

The study, conducted by Professor Günter Meinlschmidt and colleagues at the IPU of the Universities of Berlin, Basel and Zurich and the University of Aachen, used a nationwide personal survey of families to determine the level of stress expected when using A car. Active Advanced Automated Driving System (ADS), that is, an autonomous vehicle that takes full control of acceleration, braking and steering while monitoring traffic conditions. Using structured diagnostic interviews, the authors examined fears and anxieties that they termed "autophobia" based on specific phobia criteria.

Of the more than 2,000 respondents, the team found that 41% had some ADS phobia symptoms, 15% expected suboptimal phobia, and 3% expected full ADS phobia. The results show that automataphobia appears to be distinct from the fear associated with non-automatic driving and other specific phobias.

Mental health issues need to be addressed to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles

"We know from aviation that new modes of transport can be accompanied by stress and anxiety," says Meinlschmidt, professor of clinical psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy at IPU Berlin and head of the department for psychosomatics and integrative and digital psychotherapy. At University Hospital Basel, "however, we were surprised to learn of the large number of people who can experience fear of driving and anxiety, with a significant proportion experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily life, especially when using both." Autonomous vehicle also includes bicycles or autonomous moving vehicles.

The study authors noted that their findings are increasing in our society and that there is a need for prevention and treatment of ADS phobia. "Understanding and addressing the mental health risks associated with automated driving systems is essential to making this technology safe and successful for our society," said Gunter Meinlschmidt.

More information: Gunter Meinlschmidt et al., Anticipated fear and anxiety in automated monitoring systems: prevalence estimates from a nationally representative survey, International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2023.100371

Presented by the International Psychoanalytic University of Berlin

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