Decision Making Under Stress

The greater the stress, the greater the likelihood that a decision-maker will choose a risky alternative. During crisis, the ability of a group to handle difficult tasks requiring intensely focused attention is decreased. The greater the stress, the greater the tendency to make a premature choice of alternatives for a correct response. The greater the stress, the less likely that individuals can tolerate "ambiguity".

Under increasing stress, there is a decrease in productive thoughts and an increase in distracting thoughts. The greater the stress, the greater the distortion in perception of threat and poor judgment often occurs. The greater the fear, frustration and hostility aroused by a "crisis", the greater the tendency to aggression and escape behaviors. In a stressful situation (whether real or perceived stress), only immediate survival goals are considered. Long term considerations are sacrificed for short term goals.