Executive Functioning Protects Against Stress in UAV Simulation

Abstract

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.

Video Game Experience and Gender as Predictors of Performance and Stress During Supervisory Control of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

“…Conversely, when workload is high, operators must be able to remain calm and allocate their attention among multiple tasks effectively. Panganiban and Matthews (2014) confirmed in a simulated environment that increases in workload produced substantial elevations of subjective distress.…”

Personality, Stress and Resilience

“…From the perspective of Five Factor Trait (FFT) theory (McCrae & Costa, 2008), such constructs are seen as characteristic adaptations acquired through developmental processes, which may mediate the influence of biologicallybased broad traits on stress response. In addition to personality, cognitive factors such as efficiency of executive processing may contribute to resilience (Panganiban & Matthews, 2014).…”

“… Stress. Two stressors known to elevate subjective distress (Panganiban & Matthews, 2014) were manipulated independently, within-subjects. One was cognitive overload, induced by increasing task difficulty (e.g., number of UAVs controlled).…”

Multidimensional Profiling of Task Stress States for Human Factors

“…For example, increases in distress are associated with appraisals of threat and situational controllability and a preference for selfcritical emotion-focused coping (Matthews & Campbell, 2009). Personality traits such as neuroticism (Matthews et al, 2006) and cognitive abilities associated with executive functioning (Panganiban & Matthews, 2014) have also been at UNIV CALIFORNIA SANTA BARBARA on June 26, 2016 hfs.sagepub.com Downloaded from shown to moderate the impact of task demands on stress state response.…”