Job satisfaction, burnout, and safety behavior in air traffic controllers

A mediation analysis and decision tree insights

Bibliographic Data

ID22076100
AuthorsXiuyi Li (Civil Aviation Flight University of China), Zhuocheng Huang (Civil Aviation Flight University of China), Xing Peng (0000-0002-6177-3715, Civil Aviation Flight University of China, corresponding author), Junjie Zhang (0000-0002-7145-8233, Civil Aviation Flight University of China), Yueying Liu (0000-0001-7608-0164, Civil Aviation Flight University of China), Yuchuan Luo (0009-0008-8392-7392, Civil Aviation Flight University of China), Lingfeng Guo (0000-0003-3998-5081, Civil Aviation Flight University of China)
Year2025
Volume13
Pages1626328-1626328
Publication date2025-09-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2025.1626328
PMID41018767
OpenAlexW4414261839
LanguageEN
References cited38

Introduction: This study aims to explore the mediating role of burnout in the relationship between job satisfaction and safety behavior among air traffic controllers (ATCs), and to identify the most influential factor affecting ATCs' safety behavior using a decision tree model. Methods: Data were collected from 357 ATCs using established questionnaires measuring job satisfaction, burnout, and safety behavior. Bootstrap analysis was employed to examine the mediating effect of burnout, and a decision tree model was applied to determine the key factors influencing safety behavior. Results: The bootstrap analysis revealed that burnout partially mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and safety behavior, accounting for 40% of the total effect. The decision tree model identified burnout as the primary predictor of safety behavior, followed by job satisfaction and other factors. Discussion: These findings underscore the critical role of burnout in influencing ATCs' safety performance. Enhancing safety behavior should prioritize targeted interventions to reduce burnout, in addition to addressing job satisfaction and other contributing factors

Air traffic control · Burnout · Decision tree · Job satisfaction · Mediation · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Psychological intervention · Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout · Stress and Burnout Research · Workplace Health and Well-being

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