Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
individual
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Revati Dodani, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Revati Dodani
Faculty Mentor Name
Samantha Bowyer
Abstract
This ongoing longitudinal study in a quasi-experimental design addresses the growing need for mental health (MH) support and awareness in aviation, especially for Part 141 collegiate pilots, considering incidents like the Germanwings Flight 9525 tragedy. The study evaluates a five-day Mental Wellness workshop, which is integrated into a Flight Safety course that focuses on building resilience, managing stress, regulating emotions, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and stigma reduction. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, participants complete the Predictive 6-Factor Resilience Scale (PR6-50) before and after the workshop, along with demographic questions. Quantitative analysis is conducted using SPSS® with a paired t-test to assess changes in resilience. Qualitative responses are also collected and processed using a structural coding method in NVivo to understand participants' experiences and perspectives on mental health awareness and stigma in aviation. The study finds increased resilience, improved stress and emotion management skills, and a reduction in stigma around seeking mental health support. The high-pressure environment of aviation training often exacerbates mental health challenges, underscoring the need for effective wellness interventions. The research investigates how participation in mental wellness workshops enhances pilots' awareness and understanding of mental health issues, aiming to foster a more informed and resilient cohort of future aviation professionals. Findings aim to highlight the value of integrating MH education into aviation training, supporting FAA safety goals, and promoting a healthier, safer aviation environment.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Spark Grant
Included in
Resiliency Training in Collegiate Pilots
This ongoing longitudinal study in a quasi-experimental design addresses the growing need for mental health (MH) support and awareness in aviation, especially for Part 141 collegiate pilots, considering incidents like the Germanwings Flight 9525 tragedy. The study evaluates a five-day Mental Wellness workshop, which is integrated into a Flight Safety course that focuses on building resilience, managing stress, regulating emotions, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and stigma reduction. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, participants complete the Predictive 6-Factor Resilience Scale (PR6-50) before and after the workshop, along with demographic questions. Quantitative analysis is conducted using SPSS® with a paired t-test to assess changes in resilience. Qualitative responses are also collected and processed using a structural coding method in NVivo to understand participants' experiences and perspectives on mental health awareness and stigma in aviation. The study finds increased resilience, improved stress and emotion management skills, and a reduction in stigma around seeking mental health support. The high-pressure environment of aviation training often exacerbates mental health challenges, underscoring the need for effective wellness interventions. The research investigates how participation in mental wellness workshops enhances pilots' awareness and understanding of mental health issues, aiming to foster a more informed and resilient cohort of future aviation professionals. Findings aim to highlight the value of integrating MH education into aviation training, supporting FAA safety goals, and promoting a healthier, safer aviation environment.