8 Enhancing Performance Under Stress Stress Inoculation Training for Battlefield Airmen trainees may have to complete a set of simple tasks when no stressors are present and then when several stressors are present (e.g., noise, flashing lights, or additional information to process. As
discussed in more detail below, the Army provides performance feedback and biofeedback to special operations trainees to help them learn how their bodies and minds react to stress. Similarly, the Navy provides extensive scientific instruction on the stress process to increase individuals familiarity with potential stress reactions. After trainees have a full appreciation for the potential
adverse effects of stress, instructors can begin discussion of specific stressors likely to be experienced during training or when engaged in a mission. Although not all stressors are known, raising awareness of the stress environment can elicit the cognitive and behavioral skills necessary to overcome these stress- ors. That is, knowing that a specific stressor is likely to occur (e.g., exposure to excessive heat) can prompt the individual to prepare (e.g., drink water and dress appropriately. Indeed, a basic premise underlying the effectiveness of SIT is that the availability of information or pre- exposure to the stress reduces the novelty of stressful tasks and increases the likelihood
of a positive expectation, a greater sense of predictability and control, and a consequent reduction in both physiological and emotional reactivity (Stetz et alb, p. 258).
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