Increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) results in a demand for suitable operators, however current selection methods may be inadequate. Transitioning to multiple UAV operation highlights attentional control ability as a criterion for selection. The current study examined the role of executive functioning (EF) in performance of a UAV simulation where high task load and evaluative stress are present. EF task performance was related more strongly to subjective stress than to performance. Specifically, high inhibitory ability may protect operators from experiencing stress processes such as worry, distress, appraisal of threat and situational uncontrollability. The findings presented add to the understanding of how EF may preserve operator's mental well-being and protect against stress, although replication of the present findings is required.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.