Predicting Performance Breakdown in Pilots Through Objective Measures of Stress Sensitivity: Annual Report.

While the adverse effects of stress are widely recognized, researchers have difficulty in developing appropriate measures. Previous research has rested heavily on subjective measures. The present approach is based on development of a simple objective performance-based measure. By showing that emotional stimuli disrupt performance, the basis of a test of stress resistance is formed. Major progress has been made by putting the test on a computer, where a more detailed investigation reveals that 1 the performance decrement due to emotional stimuli occurs early in the test, and 2 the time pressure results in large fatigue effects. Both these findings have implications for future developments of the test.