An Exploration of Job Perceptions and Health Using an Integrative Approach: A Sample of Air Traffic Controllers Working in a Test Flight Center

Abstract

Job perceptions and their relations with psychological and physical health were explored in a small group of military air traffic controllers (ATCOs) working in a test flight center. The participants rated dimensions of job requirements (psychological demands, overcommitment, work–family interferences), job resources (control, professional, and personal social support), and health indicators. The results show that the ATCOs in the study perceived their job as an active and demanding job but not in the same stressful way as civil ATCOs do. Some job requirement dimensions were positively associated with a number of health indicators. Overall and on-shift job resources were partially correlated, unlike overall and on-shift job requirements. Results favor an integrative approach of job perceptions.