Stress, depression and job satisfaction

Recent crashes of aeromedical aircraft have focused attention on the occupational stress experienced by aeromedical personnel. A mail survey of six hospital-based aeromedical transport services was conducted to investigate the occupational satisfaction and stress perceived by flight personnel. The survey questionnaire included a stress inventory, a depression scale and a job satisfaction scale. Respondents included nurses, emergency medical technicians, respiratory therapists and pilots. The expected relationships between stress and depression (r = 46, p < .05) and stress and job satisfaction (r = −.57, p < .05) were observed. Correlations between subscales of the stress inventory assessing disengagement, co-worker relations, and productivity, and the depression and job satisfaction scales were similar. In conjunction with mean ratings assigned to statements on the job satisfaction scale, these correlations suggest that a cohesive work group and assuming personal responsibility for task performance are important factors in enhancing job satisfaction and reducing occupational stress.