Student Perceived Stress Correlated with Study Approaches in a Collegiate Part 141 Flight School

Authors

• Jonathan Doherty, Florida Institute of TechnologyFollow
• Nate Petrie, Florida Institute of TechnologyFollow
• Jonathan Vroman, Florida Institute of TechnologyFollow
• Brooke Wheeler, Florida Institute of TechnologyFollow
• Vivek Sharma, Florida Institute of TechnologyFollow

Document Type

Poster

Publication Title

Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase

Abstract

Collegiate flight students experience unique academic and technical challenges that may contribute to stress levels. Although previous research has examined stress in aviation students, limited research has investigated how students’ approaches to studying relate to perceived stress within this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress and two study approaches, Surface and Deep Approach, among collegiate flight students enrolled in their university’s Part 141 flight training program. A correlational research design was used. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) to measure Deep and Surface study approaches (Biggs et al., 2001) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to measure perceived stress (Cohen et al., 1983). Pearson’s r showed a weak, statistically significant, positive correlation between Surface Approach and PSS scores (r = 0.29, p < .001, r² = 0.08), and no statistically significant correlation (r = –0.08, p = .26, r²= 0.006) between Deep Approach and PSS scores. Students who take a bare minimum approach to studying and schoolwork, which is indicated by a high Surface Approach score, are likely to have a higher self-reported perceived stress score; however, there is no statistically significant relationship between students’ depth of study, indicated by a high Deep Approach score, and their perceived stress score. Students should know that studying with a surface level approach relates to higher levels of perceived stress.

Publication Date

Spring 4-24-2026

Recommended Citation

Doherty, Jonathan; Petrie, Nate; Vroman, Jonathan; Wheeler, Brooke; and Sharma, Vivek, "Student Perceived Stress Correlated with Study Approaches in a Collegiate Part 141 Flight School" (2026). Aeronautics Student Publications. 42.
https://repository.fit.edu/aero_student/42