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Stress and Decision-Making among Civil Aviation Pilots in India: Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility
Deepak Lakshmana1, Bishal Patangia1, Janis Maria Antony1
1School of Psychological Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Objective:
The study aims to investigate the difference between stress, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility based on demographic factors and the mediating role of cognitive flexibility on the association of stress and decision-making among civil aviation pilots.
Methods:
Data was collected from 372 commercial pilots from India through an online survey. The survey comprises standardized tools, including perceived stress, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility.
Results:
No significant gender difference was found in stress, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility. Age and work experience influenced stress levels, with mid-career pilots reporting the highest stress. Stress has a negative impact on pilots' decision-making ability. Cognitive flexibility partially mediates this relationship.
Conclusion:
Integrating cognitive flexibility training and stress management interventions into pilot training programs could significantly improve decision-making under pressure for safer aviation practices.
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