How does stress generally affect attention during high-pressure situations?

Stress generally leads to a narrowing or restriction of attention during high-pressure situations. This phenomenon is often referred to as "tunnel vision," where individuals may become overly focused on specific aspects of the situation at hand while neglecting broader environmental cues. Under stress, the brain prioritizes essential information relevant to immediate threats or challenges, which can lead to a reduction in awareness of other important factors.

For pilots and individuals in high-stakes environments, this narrowed focus can be beneficial in managing immediate threats, yet it also poses a risk of missing critical information that could influence decision-making and situational awareness. It's essential for those in high-pressure roles to develop strategies to mitigate this narrowed attention and maintain a more comprehensive awareness of their surroundings, even when under stress.