Psychological stress

As with physical stress, the effect of a psychological stressor depends upon the diver. For example, suppose three divers are about to make their first dive in a current with a group. All three have fears about getting swept away in the current, and all three aren't sure whether they're up to the dive.

The first diver reacts by talking to the dive master.He doesnt  express his concerns, but asks the dive master to repeat the procedures. After hearing the procedures again, the diver concludes that the dive is a new experience, but within his abilities. In this case, the diver reacted by seeking additional knowledge, which altered his beliefs (fears) and allowed him to be confident, reducing the stress to an acceptable level.

The second diver announces that he's reconsidered the dive and has decided against it. This diver doesn't believe he loses face by doing this, or perceives that the risk of the dive outweighs an embarrassment that may result. In this case, the dive master didnt reassure the diver reacted by removing the stressor.

The dive masters procedures also didn't reassure the third diver; however, this diver feels he will lose face if he doesn't dive. In this case, the diver continues to prepare for the dive, and stress rises unchecked.

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