Aviation and personality: Do measures of personality predict pilot training success? Updated meta-analyses. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Breuer, Sonja; Ortner, Tuulia M.; Gruber, Freya M.; Hofstetter, Daniel; Scherndl, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 202(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Aviation -- Pilot training -- Personality -- Meta-Analysis; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111918
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: We conducted multilevel random effects meta-analyses to estimate mean effect sizes for 15 personality characteristic groups as predictors of the success of plane and helicopter pilot training. We integrated results from 25 primary studies with a total of 283 effect sizes, including several newer studies that were not previously included in meta-analyses. Pilot training success exhibited small significant positive relationships with conscientiousness and self-confidence and a small negative association with neuroticism. Furthermore, we aimed to examine the moderating effects of four variables. Criterion type was a significant moderator of the relationship between conscientiousness and success, whereas the year of publication did not moderate the association between personality and training success. We descriptively examined two potential moderators: aviation field and personality test type. Limitations with respect to the interpretation of the results and implications for future aviation selection research and practice are discussed with reference to self-report versus objective personality measurement.