The Effect of Indirect Trauma of Flight Attendants on Job Stress and Safety Behavior: Mediating Effect of Job Stress

Abstract

This study attempted to confirm that indirect trauma of flight attendants affects job stress and safety behavior. The trauma experience related to work accidents has been extended not only to direct trauma but also to indirect trauma. As a result of the analysis, indirect trauma had a positive effect on all sub-factors of job stress. In addition, role ambiguity and relationship with colleagues had a negative effect on safety behavior. These two variables also showed a mediating effect in the relationship between indirect trauma and safety behavior. Therefore, when flight attendants experience indirect trauma, he/she loses confidence and expectations in his/her role, his/her relationship with workers becomes unstable, and eventually shows problems with practical safety behavior. These results suggest that the organization should educate crew members on how to cope with stress and manage post-traumatic stress not only for direct outsiders but also for flight attendants who worked together or have close relationships.