Occupational and psychosocial stress among commercial aviation pilots

The sources of occupational and domestic stress, together with life events and coping strategies, were assessed in terms of their influence on job dissatisfaction, mental health, and performance among a group of 442 commercial airline pilots. It was found that self-perceived poor performance was associated with job-related factors such as fatigue and anxiety about required courses, performance checks, and insufficient flying time, particularly among older pilots. Job dissatisfaction was predicted by lack of career opportunities, poor organizational climate and morale, and lack of autonomy at work, together with some domestic stressors (e.g., family health). Overall mental ill-health was found to be associated with lack of autonomy at work, fatigue, and flying patterns, together with an inability to relax and a lack of social support.