PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF STRESS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT USE

Abstract

Public transportation is a fundamental component of urban infrastructure; however, recent studies increasingly emphasize its impact on passengers’ psychological well-being. Contemporary research highlights that stress experienced in public transport environments is shaped not only by physical conditions but also by cognitive and emotional factors, including perception of safety, uncertainty, and environmental design [1].

One of the most significant contributors to psychological stress is overcrowding. Recent empirical studies demonstrate that high-density environments are directly associated with physiological stress responses, including increased emotional arousal and discomfort [2]. In addition, crowding has been linked to aggression, anxiety, and reduced emotional regulation due to the invasion of personal space. Modern research also shows that crowd perception influences behavior indirectly through risk awareness and safety perception, especially in post-pandemic contexts [3].