The influence of life events on the attitude-behavior relationship among household couples: A longitudinal study

The present study aims to examine the extent to which the attitude-behavior relationship is affected by life events for household couples by combining the mobility biography approach and habit discontinuity theory. Using data from the Netherlands, we applied bias-adjusted three-step multigroup latent class transition models that allowed us to make comparisons between couples for latent classes and their transitions. We identified two classes for cars (car-lover and car-dispensable), three classes for trains and bus/tram/metro (BTM) (train/BTM-enthusiast, trainpotential/BTM-captive, and non-train-user/BTM-haters), and three classes for cycling (cycling-lover, -enthusiast, and -avoider) based on travel frequency and attitude. The results show that gender differences exist across latent classes within each travel mode. Men were more likely to be car lovers, non-train users, and BTMhaters, whereas women were more likely to be cycling lovers, train-potential, and BTM-captives. Personal and household life events influence the travel pattern transition process, and these impacts differ by gender. Men are more likely to switch to the car-lover cluster than women after the occurrence of life events, such as childbirth and car acquisition. People may adjust their attitudes and travel behaviors gradually and to a limited extent; thus, further studies with multiple waves are necessary.

Automated summary

This study utilized Netherlands data to identify distinct travel attitude classes for household couples based on different modes of transportation, revealing gender differences and the impact of life events on travel behavior and attitudes. Men were more likely to favor cars and dislike public transport, while women showed a preference for cycling and were more open to using trains and buses. The findings suggest that personal and household life events can influence travel pattern transitions, and further longitudinal studies are needed to explore these dynamics.