Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Saunders, Michelle E.

Committee Member

Dyer, Jamie L.

Committee Member

Mercer, Andrew E.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Geoscience (Professional Meteorology and Climatology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

This study examines the effect of turbulence education on flight anxiety. A pre-post methodology measured students’ anxiety levels before and after a study abroad flight, using an educational video during the pre-flight survey to change their feelings. The Flight Anxiety Situations (FAS) questionnaire assessed anxiety at three survey points: pre-video, post-video, and post-flight. Qualitative analysis using Friedman’s test and the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test, indicated that turbulence education effectively decreased generalized and anticipatory flight anxiety, particularly in non-phobic students. Text analysis of open-ended responses suggested increased scientific knowledge post-video helped students apply technical atmospheric processes to their feelings. Turbulence education was less effective for phobics, likely due to the small sample size and preexisting fears. Post-flight anxiety levels rebounded slightly, highlighting the need for additional interventions post-video. This research emphasized the importance of weather education in flight-anxiety therapeutic approaches and provides a foundation for expanding this approach to more diverse populations.

Download

Share

COinS