Civil Pilots’ Stress and Coping Behaviors: A Comparison Between Taiwanese and Non-Taiwanese Aviators

On evaluating the occupational stress for 104 jobs, Cooper et al. (1988) demonstrated that civil aviation (pilot) was rated as one of the extremely stressful jobs. A previous study has documented that job stress, mainly related to work accidents or reduced job performance (DuBrin, 2004) is recognized as a major risk to workers’ well-being (Kushnir, 1995). Since pilots’ work is categorized as high stress, it is of importance to understand civil pilots’ baseline stress level, sources of stress, their stress reactions and habitual coping behaviors. Flight safety can be enhanced by establishing pilot selection criteria and reinforcing educational and training programs accordingly.