Body Image, Stress, and Performance: Analysing the Aviation industry’s Physical Appearance Standards

Abstract

Abstract

The aviation industryhas long enforced strict physical appearance standards, specifically for women, which pressurizes employees. These aesthetic labour demands contribute towards influencing body image concerns. This systematic review explores the influence of physical appearance standards on body image, stress, and performance. The PRISMA framework was used to identify 18 relevant studies published post-2014 for fighting the consequences of physical appearance standards and body image. It was found that there are strict physical appearance standards in aviation. This dominance of body standards in the sector contributes towards emotional exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, depression and stress. Moreover, due to this constant scrutiny, the prevalence of disengagement and reduced professional efficiency is common among employees. Therefore, this study recommends policy reforms and focus on mental health support to improve employee performance and reduce stress.