The Effects of Psychosocial Factors, Occupational Stress, and Sleep Quality on Fatigue among Commercial Airline Pilots

Purpose : This study aimed to build and test a path model to explain the factors and paths influencing pilots’ fatigue. The goal was to develop a Korean-style fatigue management model for pilots and propose management plans suited for South Korea’s circumstances. Methods : The survey was conducted with pilots who were members of the Airline Pilots Association of Korea and working for a domestic airline. The questionnaire included items on their general characteristics, job-related factors, psychosocial factors (Type A Behavior and self-esteem), occupational stress, sleep quality, and fatigue. The data were collected through an online survey conducted from September 9 to October 9, 2015. Results : The path analysis results showed that a higher tendency toward Type A Behavior and lower self-esteem were associated with higher occupational stress (β=.961, p<.05). Higher occupational stress resulted in lower sleep quality (β=.699, p<.001) and higher fatigue (β=.489, p<.001). Lower sleep quality also led to higher fatigue (β=.185, p<.05). Conclusion : Pilots often experience fatigue due to the nature of their work, which is difficult to avoid. Therefore, programs to reduce or manage pilots’ fatigue need to be developed. It is essential to establish systems at the policy level to address this issue. Intervention programs should also be applied at both the individual level, focusing on managing psychosocial factors, and the organizational level, addressing occupational stress. These interventions should align with the organizational culture of South Korea.