The prevalence of flight anxiety in Norway

Abstract

A random sample of 1000 persons aged 18-75 years was selected for a study of the prevalence of flight anxiety in Norway, and 79% responded. The results showed that 54% were not afraid at all, 22% were always afraid, and 5% would never fly because of flight anxiety. The flight anxiety had lasted for at least 10 years in 83% of those affected. Expectation of “turbulence”, “engine trouble”, and “collision in the air” were the single items found to cause most discomfort. Flight anxiety was far more common among females: 60% were at least apprehensive, and 9% never fly, compared with 33% and 2%, respectively, among males. The condition increases with age and is particularly common among housewives, those retired, and persons with “other nervous problems”. The present findings are in accordance with similar studies made in Sweden and Iceland.

Key Words:

• Anxiety
• Fear
• Flying
• Phobia
• Prevalence