Optimizing Aerospace Sustainability Outputs: Understanding How Negative Emotions from Barriers to Personal Achievement Affect Researchers, Product Developers, Trainers, and Recruiters

The future of sustainable aviation and aerospace depends not only ontechnological advances and policy but also on the motivation and well-being of theworkforce. This study examined how meaningful work, organizational support, andmental health shape sustainability engagement in the sector. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed. 386 students and professionals completedan online survey assessing meaningfulness of work, commitment, stress, distress,resilience, and sleep quality. This was followed by focus groups with student participants to examine lived experiences in greater depth. Quantitative findings indicatedmoderate levels of meaningful work and commitment across groups, with studentsreporting higher scores than professionals. Common barriers included limited teamor employer support and inadequate funding. A lack of belief they were making adifference was associated with reduced efficacy, while funding constraints were paradoxically linked to greater positive meaning. Focus group participants conceptualizedsustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions but describedbarriers such as high costs, limited infrastructure, and few institutional incentives.They also reported misalignment between passion and recognition, stigmatization ofcareer pathways, and a culture of comparison that undermined motivation. Mentalhealth concerns—including distress, poor sleep, and stigma around disclosure—wereprevalent, particularly among international students, who emphasized the need formentorship, transparency, and organizational support.