Psychophysiological predictors of task engagement and distress

Biocybernetic systems utilise real-time changes in psychophysiology in order to adapt aspects of computer control and functionality, e.g. adaptive automation. This approach to system design is based upon an assumption that psychophysiological variations represent implicit fluctuations in the subjective state of the operator, e.g. mood, motivation, cognitions. A study was performed to investigate the convergent validity between psychophysiological measurement and changes in the subjective status of the individual. Thirty-five participants performed a demanding version of the Multi Attribute Test Battery (MATB) over four consecutive twenty-minute blocks. A range of psychophysiological data were collected (EEG, ECG, SCL, EOG, respiratory rate) and correlated with changes in subjective state as measured by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ). The DSSQ was analysed in terms of three subjective meta-factors: Task Engagement, Distress and Worry. Multiple regression analyses revealed that psychophysiology predicted a significant proportion of the variance for both Task Engagement and Distress but not for the Worry meta-factor. The consequences for the development of biocybernetic systems are discussed.