The role of psychological stress in the subjective well-being of aviation ground crews: mediating effects of social support and self-esteem

Background This study investigated the relationship between psychological stress and subjective well-being among aviation ground crews, with a focus on the mediating roles of social support and self-esteem. Methods In this cross-sectional investigation, 533 ground crew members completed validated assessments, including the Stress Self-evaluation Test, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Self-liking/Self-competence Scale-Revised, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Statistical analyses were performed via R software and Mplus. Results (1) Single participants presented significantly lower subjective well-being than married individuals did ( p = 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.349). (2) Psychological stress ( r = – 0.527, p < 0.001), social support ( r = 0.579, p < 0.001), and self-esteem ( r = 0.678, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with subjective well-being. (3) Three distinct mediation pathways emerged: the social support-mediated pathway, self-esteem-mediated pathway, and a chain-mediating effect through social support-self-esteem. Conclusions Psychological stress was significantly associated with reduced subjective well-being in aviation ground crews, with tentative evidence of mediation through social support and self-esteem. Interventions targeting these psychosocial resources may improve well-being, but require further validation.