Self-Efficacy and Mental Well-Being in Aircraft Maintenance Technicians: The Role of Professional Experience in a Safety-Critical Context

Abstract

Purpose – The study investigates the effect of self-efficacy on mental well-being among Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) in Türkiye, with an emphasis on how this relationship varies across different levels of professional experience.
Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 324 AMTs through an online survey. Regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and mental well-being. Additionally, separate regression analyses were conducted for each experience group to compare the strength of the relationship across career stages.
Results – The analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between self-efficacy and mental well-being (B = .486, SE = .055, β = .441, t = 8.812, p < .001). Separate regression analyses indicated observable differences in the magnitude of this relationship across experience groups, with relatively stronger associations in early- and late-career stages and comparatively weaker associations during mid-career.
Discussion – The findings highlight the potential importance of supporting self-efficacy through competency-based training and developmental practices, particularly during mid-career stages. Future research may further explore how self-efficacy interacts with technological transitions, including artificial intelligence integration, within aviation maintenance contexts.