Fatigue, Workload, and Personality Indices of Air Traffic Controller Stress during an Aircraft Surge Recovery Exercise
Abstract
During an aircraft surge recovery exercise, stress survey instruments were administered to 25 USAF air traffic controllers. The survey instruments consisted of sleep reports, fatigue and workload scores, and the State-Trait Personality Inventory (STPI). The STPI yields scores to measure anxiety, curiosity, and anger. Data were collected for a 4-day period during the exercise, with a maximum of 22 controllers participating on any single day. The data were collected to provide a baseline for comparison with future studies involving chemical warfare defense equipment. Although the controllers averaged more than 7 hours sleep per night during the exercise period, 70% felt they could have used more sleep. The average subjective fatigue level never suggested more than moderate fatigue. The average perceived workload corresponded to a challenging but manageable level. Average State scores for anxiety, curiosity, and anger were generally low; average Trait scores for these same emotions were below scores reported for Navy recruits and college freshmen. During the course of the exercise, significant differences were found in State anxiety scores, as the novel situation (the exercise) became a familiar routine. The major conclusion is that the surge recovery exercise, in comparison to normal duty conditions, had minimal effect on all measures for this group of controllers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA121908
Entities
People
- Stephen M. Rokicki
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine