How does stress typically impact attention?

Stress typically impacts attention by causing tunneling and task shedding, which refers to a narrowed focus on a specific task while potentially neglecting other important tasks or information. Under high levels of stress, individuals often experience a heightened sense of urgency that can lead to an intense concentration on immediate threats or challenges. This can be beneficial in the short term for addressing critical situations; however, it often comes at the expense of broader situational awareness, which is necessary for effective multitasking and coordination.

For instance, when faced with stress, a person might become so focused on a specific detail that they miss critical changes in their surroundings or overlook other tasks that also require attention. This phenomenon underscores the reality that while stress can sometimes heighten one's alertness temporarily, it compromises the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and can lead to a reduction in overall performance when multitasking is essential.