Which mental effect of stress causes focus to narrow on a particular item?

The mental effect of stress that causes focus to narrow on a particular item is known as narrowing. When individuals experience stress, their attention can become hyper-focused on specific stimuli or thoughts, often to the detriment of broader situational awareness. This narrowing effect can be beneficial in high-pressure situations, allowing one to concentrate on immediate tasks or dangers. However, it can also lead to missing important information or changes in the environment, which is crucial for cavern diving, where situational awareness is essential for safety.

In contrast, distraction involves a loss of focus, leading to an inability to concentrate on any one thing, while overthinking can cause unnecessary rumination on various thoughts, pulling attention away from actionable tasks. Fragmentation refers to a breakdown in thought processes, often leading to confusion rather than clarity. This emphasizes the significance of understanding how stress can affect mental focus in high-stakes environments like diving.