Explore chapters and articles related to this topic
Fatigue and Stress
Published in Harry W. Orlady, Linda M. Orlady, John K. Lauber, Human Factors in Multi-Crew Flight Operations, 2017
Harry W. Orlady, Linda M. Orlady, John K. Lauber
At the low levels of arousal the nervous system is not fully functioning, and the processing of any sensory information is slow. Moderate levels of arousal produce interest in external events and in performing tasks. The level of performance increases. Unfortunately, at high levels of arousal, the sympathetic nervous system, over which we have no control, produces extra adrenaline that provides the body with increased heart and respiration rates, increases blood pressure, and increases blood flow to the muscles in order to cope with the new stress. This response is sometimes known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. Historically, when man was a hunter, it was a very useful reaction. Today, however, this sudden physical release of energy is seldom what is needed, and in most cases is detrimental to desired behavior. Even when the source of the stressful experience has passed, the ‘fight or flight’ reaction continues and continues to be inappropriate. We now know that the stress reaction can occur without the actual occurrence of an event but simply as a response to the anticipation of the perceived demand or threat.
The Heinrich principle
Published in Tim Marsh, A Definitive Guide to Behavioural Safety, 2017
Indeed, incorporating resilience training, soft skills for supervisors and well-being creation programmes is essential to a holistic BBS approach for day-to-day safety reasons too. This is because stressed individuals are initially flooded with adrenaline as the ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in. In the short-term, adrenaline can be a good thing, sharpening reflexes and delivering energy. Over time, however, that adrenaline is replaced by a build-up of cortisol. This isn’t good. High levels of cortisol typically makes people risk-averse and cautious, which is not entirely a bad thing from a safety perspective, but may not result in the most dynamic behaviour that companies want for growth.
The Impact of Psychological Ill-Health on Safety
Published in Philip D. Bust, Contemporary Ergonomics 2006, 2020
The human body is designed to react when we perceive a real or potential threat, to help us either fight the threat or flee from it (the “fight or flight” response). When we react to a valid stimulus, this is healthy. When we react in the absence of a valid stimulus, or when the individual experiences difficulty returning to a “normal” state, this can be unhelpful. The experience of high arousal combined with feelings of worry (e.g. fear of failure) tends to be classed as anxiety.
Nature-based rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injury: a scoping review
Published in International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 2020
Anne Pernille Vibholm, Jeanette Reffstrup Christensen, Hanne Pallesen
The Evolutionary Approach with the Attention Restoration Theory claims that nature can positively improve individuals’ ability to direct and refocus their attention. Direct attention is used to complex problem solving, which is a mentally demanding process (Kaplan 1995; Stigsdotter and Grahn 2002; Stigsdotter et al. 2011). The Aesthetic-Affective Theory (Stigsdotter et al. 2011) is underpinned by the Biophilia Hypothesis (Ulrich et al. 1991; Wilson 2002). This is based on the notion that humans have an inherited connection with nature and respond to this instinctively in a positive way. Urbanisation has disrupted this connection. This explains why people who live in urban environments have increased cortisol levels and stress-induced activity in the amygdala, which is involved in the fight or flight response (Stigsdotter and Grahn 2002; Lederbogen et al. 2011; Stigsdotter et al. 2011; Marcus and Sachs 2014).