A Double Taboo? An Exploratory Study of Mental Health Perceptions amongst Black Aerospace Professionals

Abstract

This exploratory study delves into the overlooked realm of mental health needs and experiences amongst Black Americans who are also Black aerospace professionals, shedding light on a “double taboo” within a historically stigmatized industry and marginalized community. Due to the paucity of research focusing exclusively on the mental health of Black aerospace professionals and drastic increase in mental health events in the U.S., the purpose of this study was to understand the mental health needs and experiences of Black aerospace professionals. The central research question that guided this study asked, “How do Black aerospace professionals characterize their experiences with mental health?” A mixed-methods approach was used to garner the participants experiences and perceptions of mental health through the acquisition of qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative facet resulted in 10 themes emerging: Being a Black American/Aerospace Professional, “Everyday” Struggles, Culture of Fear, Jeopardizing Job Security, Mixed Managerial Messaging, Mental Health Prioritization, Sources of Support (SOS), Representation Woes, Lack of Standardization, and Societal Acceptance, Awareness, and Access. The survey solicited 75 completed responses and the findings confirmed much of what is already known - the mental health experience for Black Americans and Black aerospace professionals has been largely negative due to fear of reprisal or termination, unsupportive work environments, a lack of access to mental health resources, and when they are sought, a lack of representation in the health services. These results were further supported by the chi-squared tests conducted for the quantitative facet. The study adds a renewed sense of gravitas by showcasing that when access is not an issue, the work environment is supportive and leadership provides encouragement, and (representative) sources of support are available (e.g., EAP or trusted confidants), mental health challenges are addressed effectively, efficiently, and mitigated. These findings inform several recommendations for policy and practice governmental and industry leadership should consider to improve the mental health experiences of Black aerospace professionals. The study underscores the importance of breaking the double taboo—mental health within the aerospace community and within the Black community—which requires targeted efforts to destigmatize and promote open conversations about mental health