LECTURE 6 - STRESSAviation Human Factor

Stress : Introduction In aviation, accidents almost always occur in

a sequence of mistakes. Stress is one of the first contributing

factors lead into the rest causing the effect.

In order to maintain safety in aviation, stress must be managed to avoid an accident.

This is where all of human factor studies and hard work can come into play.

Depending on what particular job a person is performing in aviation, they must take steps to avoid undue stress.

Stress can be avoided by taking steps to relieve other possible factors.

Stress : Introduction

So, What Is STRESS?Why we STRESS?

&How does STRESS effect flying skills?

Stress Definition Stress can be defined as physical

and physiological tension caused by dealing with difficult situations.

Mental, emotional or physical tension, strain or distress. (Webster, Dictionary)

Stress Definition Stress is sum of Biological reactions to

our physical , mental & emotional condition tends to disturb “Body Natural Balance”

Stress also defined as a state of highly unpleasant emotional caused by overload, fear, anxiety, and anger - all of which threaten both individual performance and teamwork.

“Stress for Success” by Dr. Peter Hanson Stress not is not a bad thing. A small

amount of it acts as a stimulus and improved your performance.

A certain amount of stress is good because it keeps you alert and prevent complacency (too relax). E.g: Racing driver, Olympic runner, Flight crew, ASSIGNMENT, EXAM etc.

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Stress vs. Performance Slight stress is good but excessive stress

lead to depression and other bad effects

SOURCES OF STRESS (3Ps stressors)

Physical Stress- associate with Environment- heat, noise, lack of oxygen, vibration, low humidity.

Physiological stress- Physical condition e.g. fatigue, lack of physical fitness, illness

Psychological Stress– Social or emotional factors e.g. death in the family, divorce, sick child, demotion, also related to – mental workload imposed and overloaded such as analyzing problems, navigating, decision making, loss of SA, difficulty to respond

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Major causes of stress1. Physical Stress associate with ENVIRONMENT Noise – noise can cause stress as it makes difficult

for us to concentrate and focus. Lack of oxygen – it can cause stress because it

makes us uncomfortable and difficult to breath normally.

Poor visibility- due to heavy fog, lead to stress as it hard to see anything in front of us.

Poor lighting- can cause stress because it is difficult to read technical data and manuals.

Temperature – too high or too low will make we feel not comfortable and stress will come out

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Major causes of stress

2. Physiological stress- related with BODY condition.

Lack of sleep & Fatigued - the pilot is unable to maintain performance standards for long periods as he struggling to stay awake.

Flying when unwell resulting in the body using more energy fighting the illness and hence less energy to perform vital tasks.

Not having proper meals also result in not having enough energy and induces symptoms like headache and shaking.

Major causes of stress

3. Psychological Stress– related with SOCIAL or EMOTIONAL factors.

Financial problems such as impending bankruptcy and loans and to pay.

Marital problems due to divorce or strained relationships due to persistent quarreling.

Interpersonal problems with superiors and colleagues due to miscommunication or backstabbing.

Too much stress, or a strong response to stress, is harmful. It can set you up for general poor health as well as specific physical or psychological illnesses like infection, heart disease, or depression. Persistent and unrelenting stress often leads to anxiety and unhealthy behaviors like overeating and abuse of alcohol or drugs.

Emotional states like grief or depression and health conditions like an overactive thyroid, low blood sugar, or heart attack can also cause stress.

Stress

Contrary to popular belief that all stress is negative, stress can either be good (Eustress) or bad (Distress).

EustressEustress can harness better performances and provide the incentive for aviation personnel to achieve the task, to train harder to improve their standards to become the best in their job.

DistressDistress on the other hand, affects people by ‘sink’ them down, causing them to lose focus doing time critical tasks in their area of work leading to accidents.

Type of stress

To put it simply, the "victim" will experience the following main symptoms:

Physical symptoms• Tense muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders;• Headache or backache;• Stomachache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation;• Tiredness or difficulty sleeping;• Unusually rapid heartbeat;• Shakiness or excessive sweating;• Weight loss or weight gain;• Clenched jaw or clenched teeth;• Fingernail-biting;• Sighing or changes in breathing patterns

Symptoms of Stress

Emotional symptoms• Frustration, irritability or anger;• Depression or anxiety;• Nervousness; and,• Boredom or apathy.

Behavioral symptoms• Abuse of alcohol, drugs or other substances;• Marital problems;• Binge eating; and,• Self-destructive behavior.

Symptoms of Stress

Cognitive symptoms• Forgetfulness, preoccupation and difficulty concentrating;• Indecisiveness;• Work mistakes and loss of productivity;• Excessive worry;• Decrease in creativity; and,• Loss of sense of humor

Symptoms of Stress

Effects of Stress

How does stress affect flying skill

Stress can significantly affect one’s thought processes.

Stress can decrease attention and concentration which lead to poor judgments and impair memory.

Stress can cause aviators to commit thinking errors and to take mental shortcuts that could be potentially fatal (causing death).

Under high-stress conditions, people tend to oversimplify problem solving and ignore important relevant information, taking the easy way out.

For example, an aviator experiencing high stress before going into combat may, in haste (high speed), fail to follow all of the steps of the preflight inspection.

How does stress affect flying skill

Stress Managements

Organize yourself- Take better control of the ways you’re spending your time and energy.

Change your environment- Control what and who is surrounding you to get rid of stressors and gain support for yourself.

Build up your strength- Good physical condition helps you to stand up against your stressors.

Learn to relax- practicing a good relaxation technique to clearer thinking and decision making.

Find ways to laugh each day Develop a supportive network around you

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Stress Management Health and Fitness Program

Regular exercise Improve tension and

anxiety Improve cognitive

functioning

Relaxation Techniques Meditation Self hypnosis Progressive muscle

relaxation and mental imagery

Religious Practices Counseling Techniques

Professional counselor Changing the ways of a person perceives

the situation Accept life as it goes

Stress Management