PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND COPING IN HIGH-RESPONSIBILITY PROFESSIONS: INSIGHTS FROM AVIATION PILOTS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between psychological resilience and coping strategies among aviation pilots, a population characterized by high responsibility, occupational stress, and exposure to critical decision-making environments. The objective was to examine how resilience serves as a buffer against psychological distress and to identify coping mechanisms that promote optimal mental health in aviation professionals. Grounded in resilience and stress-coping theories, the study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design with a sample of 200 licensed commercial and military pilots from major aviation sectors in Pakistan. Data were collected using standardized instruments including the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Brief COPE Inventory, followed by statistical analyses using correlation and multiple regression techniques. Results indicated a significant positive association between resilience and adaptive coping strategies, particularly problem-focused coping, and a negative correlation with maladaptive coping mechanisms such as avoidance and substance use. Higher resilience scores predicted lower levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and burnout, suggesting that resilience functions as a critical psychological resource in high-responsibility professions. The findings align with previous literature on resilience and occupational stress but extend knowledge by emphasizing the unique context of aviation psychology. Limitations include reliance on self-report measures and a cross-sectional design that restricts causal inference. Future research should employ longitudinal and intervention-based methods to further explore resilience enhancement programs in aviation contexts.