Do narcissistic personality traits and immature defense mechanisms hinder communication and cooperation in pilots?

This study examines the safety operation behaviors of pilots within the framework of communication and cooperation, compares how these behaviors are affected by narcissistic personality traits, and compares the results for the correct evaluation and management of immature ego defense mechanisms, which are thought to be a factor triggering this relationship. The data were collected from 150 pilot participants working at airlines in Turkey using a survey data collection tool. It was observed that the participants frequently used the defense mechanisms of rationalization, isolation, and acting out. This result shows that pilots continue to exhibit the same behavior by providing acceptable reasons rather than trying to eliminate negative situations by discussing them realistically. It was also observed that they tend to focus only on the objective aspects of events and avoid discussing the parts that negatively affect them psychologically. In addition, it was found that narcissistic personality traits negatively affect the communication and cooperation behaviors of pilots, and immature ego defense mechanisms are a precursor that strengthens the narcissistic personality. It is thought that examining narcissistic personality traits within the framework of immature ego defense mechanisms and managing these mechanisms effectively will contribute greatly to aviation psychology research to prevent risks related to the human factor, which airline companies and authorities view as an important risk within safety management systems.