Emotional Intelligence and Safety Citizenship among Army aviators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the relationship between trait emotional intelligence and safety citizenship among United States Army aviators. The study includes analysis of survey responses from 29 individual aviators. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between safety citizenship, emotional intelligence, and 15 emotional intelligence facets. Results indicate a significant association (F(1,28) = 15.45; p = 0.001) between safety citizenship and emotional intelligence, and between safety citizenship and 3 emotional intelligence facets: Adaptability (F(1,25) = 23.91; p < 0.001), Self Esteem (F(1,25) = 10.75; p = 0.003), and Optimism (F(1,25) = 8.71; p = 0.007). Increased Adaptability and Self Esteem can increase safety citizenship behaviors among aviators. Training and selection of Army aviators with these traits could result in safer air travel and possibly reduced human factor-related aviation incidents.

Authors

• Dugger, Zachary T Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• McCrory, Bernadette Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Emotional Intelligence
• Safety Citizenship
• Aviators
• Pilot
• Human Factors Psychology
• Systems Engineering