Jef Syroit

Visuo-spatial path learning, stress, and cortisol secretion following military cadets’ first parachute jump: the effect of increasing task complexity

The present field experiment examined how multi-trial visuo-spatial learning and memory performance are impacted by excessive arousal, instigated by a potentially life-threatening event (i.e., a first parachute jump). Throughout a parachute training activity, subjective and neuroendocrine (i.e., cortisol) stress levels were assessed of 61 male military cadets who were randomly assigned to a control (n = 30) or a jump stress condition (n = 31). Post-stress learning and memory capacity was assessed with a 10-trial path-learning task that permitted emergence of learning curves. Pre-activity cortisol concentrations indicated a significant neuroendocrine anticipatory stress response in the stress group. Following parachuting, subjective stress levels and salivary cortisol reactivity differed significantly between groups. Visuo-spatial path-learning performance was impaired significantly after jump stress exposure, relative to the control group. Moreover, examination of the learning curves showed similar learning and memory performance at onset of the trials, with curves bifurcating as the task became more complex. These findings are in accordance with leading theories that acknowledge a moderating effect of task complexity. In sum, the present study extends knowledge concerning anticipatory stress effects, endogenously instigated cortisol reactivity, and the influence of extreme arousal on visuo-spatial path learning.

Well-being in times of task restructuring: The buffering potential of workplace learning

In this paper, we focus on task restructuring as one of the most frequently occurring types of change in our contemporary knowledge society. In spite of its evident prevalence, research on task restructuring and employee well-being has been scarce until now. Based on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, we argue that task restructuring is negatively related with employee well-being (in terms of emotional exhaustion and vigour). Furthermore, we advance that opportunities for learning through reflection and experimentation, as well as recently acquired KSAOs can serve as buffers in the relationship between task restructuring and well-being. Hierarchical regression analyses and simple slope analyses were conducted in order to test the research hypotheses on a large sample of the Dutch working population (N = 1711). Task restructuring had a positive association with emotional exhaustion and a negative one with vigour. Furthermore, recently acquired KSAOs, as well as opportunities for reflection and experimentation, buffered the relationship between task restructuring and emotional exhaustion. Opportunities for reflection and experimentation moderated the relationship between task restructuring and vigour as well. This study suggests that workplace learning can mitigate the negative relationship between task restructuring and well-being.