Combating the vigilance decrement: The replenishing effects of rest and nature

Stefanie A Plemmons, Purdue University

Abstract

Extended periods of vigilance have been shown to be detrimental to attentional capabilities over time. As vigilance is employed, performance suffers, resulting in what is commonly referred to as the vigilance decrement. Literatures pertaining to regulatory resource depletion and attention restoration theory offer insight into the replenishment of attentional resources consumed by remaining vigilant. By synthesizing the three literatures of vigilance, resource depletion, and attention restoration, the current study aims to attain a better understanding of how attentional resources can be regained through respites of a short duration, subsequently improving performance over extended periods of time. Undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course were asked to complete a computer-based vigilance task, after which they were randomly assigned to one of six respite conditions: rest, nature, emotional regulation, emotion without regulation, mentally demanding tasks, or continued vigilance. After the respite condition, participants were asked to complete the computer-based vigilance task a second time. A series of paired comparisons were conducted to determine if significant differences existed between conditions. While few results were found to support hypothesized relationships pertaining to the continued vigil condition, results indicated that performance after the regulation of emotion was worse than after replenishment conditions. Overall, results suggest that the type of respite activity in which an individual engages affects subsequent attentional regulation, with certain activities offering an opportunity for restoration. Limitations and future directions for research are also discussed.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Weiss, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Behavioral psychology|Occupational psychology

COinS