Yerkes-Dodson Law

The Yerkes-Dodson principle states that there is a relationship between task difficulty and arousal levels. For simple tasks, higher arousal tends to improve performance, but for more complex tasks, performance improves only up to an optimal arousal point—after which performance declines as arousal levels increase.

The Yerkes-Dodson Law suggests that optimal performance occurs when arousal is at a moderate level. Too little arousal results in a lack of motivation, while too much arousal leads to anxiety and poor performance. Balancing stress levels helps individuals achieve peak performance.

The Yerkes-Dodson Law can be used to manage stress by understanding the link between arousal and performance. It is especially relevant for emotional memory processing, as moderate arousal levels can enhance recall. In therapy, it helps individuals deal with traumatic memories by applying the right amount of stress to facilitate healing without overwhelming the person.