The Maximal Adaptability Model is a model of the effects of stress on cognitive performance. It recognizes that the cognitive task could be a leading source of stress. The model further highlights how psychological and physiological adaptive mechanisms act as a safeguard against the effects of stress on performance. Regarding psychological adaptation, it touches upon the distribution of attentional resources since it is viewed as an expendable resource. On the other hand, physiological adaptation touches upon homeostatic regulatory functions that attempt to accommodate the effects of stressors. This model predicts that psychological and physiological adaptations effectively safeguard disturbances to performance, especially when stressors are minor. However, dynamic instability can occur if maximal psychological and physiological adaptability limits are exceeded.

Maximal Adaptability Model

In this model, two levels of control are proposed. Performance is preserved by an automatic control system in well-learned tasks under low-stress conditions. When task demands are indicated by an “effort monitor” that goes beyond the capacity of the lower automatic system, a higher supervisory controller is turned on to start a compensatory control response. This response ends up involving the mobilization of effort to protect task performance. One thing to note about the Compensatory Control Model is that effort is a limited resource. Thus, if effort allocation adequately and briefly maintains primary task performance, an extended period of intense stress may exhaust resources to the point where performance reductions are present. 

Latent decrements may also happen outside of primary tasks. This can be seen as peripheral tasks performance being impaired through attentional tunnelling and heuristics in non-primary tasks. Considering military settings, mood changes or adverse reactions to teamwork can diminish results from allocating effort to maintain primary task performance. Allocating effort is deemed the only protection strategy the supervisory controller can start. The second strategy would be to adjust performance targets. 

Compensatory Control Model

Attentional Control Theory emphasizes the protective allocation of attentional reserves. This broadens to the processing efficient theory, which further analyzes the processing efficient theory and considers the impacts of stress and anxiety on cognition based on effectiveness and efficiency. It can be argued that anxiety produces a state of self-preoccupation that compels higher levels of effort to be issued to conserve high task performance. However, it does so at the cost of reduced processing efficiency.

Within Attentional Control Theory, anxiety is at a higher risk of altering processing efficiency in tasks where it is necessary to have executive functions of inhibitions and shifting. This is because the functions ensure attention is directed toward task-relevant stimuli. This theory has been used to explain cognitive deficits that occur because of anxiety and stress due to different situations. In a military setting, Attentional Control describes the various effects of anxiety, where it has been used to develop cognitive training interventions that focus on executive functions affected by anxiety. It is also used to explain reductions in shooting performance and increases the attempt to have more simulated military operations that are meant to inhibit anxiety in a person.

Attentional Control Theory

Developing an extensive theoretical explanation of the effects of stress on cognition is difficult due to the elaborateness of stress and cognition independently. The causes of stress, how severe it is, whether or not it can be controlled, and its extent have affected changes in cognitive functioning. Specific characteristics of cognitive operation can also be detrimental to resilience against stress. The different interactions between stress-related and cognition-related factors should then be considered. Reviewing each theory presented provides a structure based on how cognitive functioning in military personnel can be made resilient to psychological stress.

California Baptist University

Psychological stress is defined as the relationship between the person and the environment that is assessed by the person as demanding or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being. Stress is an involved component that mediates the stressor-response relationship. It is important to note that a person's vulnerability to stress is a result of cognitive processes between the encounter and the reaction.

Psychological Stress

Flood, A., & Keegan, R. J. (2022). Cognitive Resilience to Psychological Stress in Military Personnel. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 809003. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.809003

References for the Cognitive Resilience to Psychological Stress in Military Personnel

Based on the Transactional Theory, coping is the constantly changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to control certain external and internal demands appraised as demanding or exceeding the person’s resources. Coping is not an automated response to a stressor but an effortful process that develops and reflects the changing nature of the person-environment encounter. Two ways of coping are highlighted within the Transactional Theory: emotion- and problem-focused coping. Emotion-focused coping is the coping strategy that is planned to regulate the emotional responses to the stressor. In contrast, problem-focused coping strategies impact or alter the stressor itself. A third category of coping is considered to be meaning-focused coping. This is where stressors continue even through the activation of problem- and emotion-focused coping. Such coping includes using beliefs, values, and existential goals to help find meaning in stressful situations and encourage coping efforts.

Cognitive Processes: Coping

Appraisal is a cognitive process that evaluates the relevance of the person-environment transactions to a person's well-being. Appraisal happens in two main forms: primary appraisal and second appraisal. These appraisal categories interact to create the extent of stress experienced by an individual and the coping approach used for any given transaction.

Cognitive Processes: Appraisal

6 Dimensions of Stress:
1. Isolation: Separation from friends and family
2. Ambiguity: Unpredictable nature of the mission
3. Powerlessness: Inefficiency to influence changes back home 
4. Boredom: Repetitive work
5. Danger: Risk of injury or death
6. Workload: High frequency of deployment

Learn Before

Related

Learn After