Citation

Sauer J, Schmutz S, Sonderegger A, Messerli N. Ergonomics 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-15.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg , Fribourg , Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00140139.2019.1652353

PMID

31389756

Abstract

Given the increasing capabilities of highly automated systems, the article argues for a need to address the issue of social stress in human-machine interaction. It suggests a classification system of subordinate concepts found in the research literature under the heading of social stress. A review of the literature revealed a paucity of studies examining the effects of social stressors on performance. In particular, the review showed a shortage of experimental lab-based work, needed to establish clear cause-effect relationships. The article examined the suitability of different social stressors for lab-based research, not only when humans are the source of stress but also in so-called hybrid teams where social stress is caused by machine agents. The review shows that a closer link is needed between the separate literatures on social stress and automation. Finally, three mechanisms are proposed that may predict how social stress may affect performance: 'blank-out'-mechanism, 'rumination'-mechanism, and 'increased-motivation'-mechanism. Practitioner summary: Theories of ergonomics and human factors may benefit from a better integration of research and theoretical work in the domain of social stress. This is due to the increasing capabilities of machines to induce social stress.

Language: en

Keywords

automation; human-machine interaction; laboratory research; performance; social stress