Assessment of Mental Health and Help-Seeking Barriers Among Collegiate Aviation Students

Abstract

Mental health concerns among collegiate aviation students have become increasingly significant as the demands of flight training and academic performance intersect with regulatory pressures unique to the aviation industry. This study examined levels of anxiety, depression, and self-stigma related to help-seeking among students enrolled in aviation-related programs across five U.S. institutions. Using a non-experimental, quantitative survey design, data were collected from 231 participants using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and custom items assessing stigma and attitudes toward seeking mental health support. Results revealed that 43.7% of respondents met criteria for at least mild anxiety and 39.8% for at least mild depressive symptoms. Notably, over half of respondents expressed reluctance to seek counseling due to concerns about Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certification implications. Findings highlight the prevalence of mental health challenges among aviation students and underscore the need for institutional interventions to reduce stigma and align support services with aviation-specific career considerations.