Mental Stress Quantification and Identification Decision Modeling

This paper describes an approach to quantify mental stresses. The tool of fuzzy set theory is used to model the information regarding the job (task) and operator's mental and clinical status. Utilizing this concept, a model is developed to aid in decision making under those circumstances when an operator (responsible for performing critical tasks, such as monitoring ground support equipment) is under the influence of mental stress and his/her ability to continue on the job, without making fatal mistakes, is temporarily compromised. The objective of the decision model is to make the operator-task assignments based on the fuzzy operator and task information matrices. The decision alternatives are: (i) assign the operator to a non-critical job, (ii) give the operator time off for recovery, and (iii) let the operator continue on the job. The model takes into account the physiological, the psychological/behavioral, and the performance parameters and dynamically reviews the operator status using the data base unique to the individual.