A multifaceted investigation of the link between mental fatigue and task disengagement

Jesper F. Hopstaken; Dimitri van der Linden; Arnold B. Bakker; Michiel A.J. Kompier

doi:10.1111/psyp.12339

A multifaceted investigation of the link between mental fatigue and task disengagement

Jesper F. Hopstaken, Dimitri van der Linden, Arnold B. Bakker, Michiel A.J. Kompier

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

278 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mental fatigue is often characterized by reduced motivation for effortful activity and impaired task performance. We used subjective, behavioral (performance), and psychophysiological (P3, pupil diameter) measures during an n-back task to investigate the link between mental fatigue and task disengagement. After 2h, we manipulated the rewards to examine a possible reengagement effect. Analyses showed that, with increasing fatigue and time-on-task, performance, P3 amplitude, and pupil diameter decreased. After increasing the rewards, all measures reverted to higher levels. Multilevel analysis revealed positive correlations between the used measures with time-on-task. We interpret these results as support for a strong link between task disengagement and mental fatigue.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	305-315
Number of pages	11
Journal	Psychophysiology
Volume	52
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.12339
Publication status	Published - 1 Mar 2015
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Fatigue
Motivation
P3
Pupil diameter
Task engagement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Neuroscience
Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Neurology
Endocrine and Autonomic Systems
Developmental Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Biological Psychiatry

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10.1111/psyp.12339

Cite this

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abstract = "Mental fatigue is often characterized by reduced motivation for effortful activity and impaired task performance. We used subjective, behavioral (performance), and psychophysiological (P3, pupil diameter) measures during an n-back task to investigate the link between mental fatigue and task disengagement. After 2h, we manipulated the rewards to examine a possible reengagement effect. Analyses showed that, with increasing fatigue and time-on-task, performance, P3 amplitude, and pupil diameter decreased. After increasing the rewards, all measures reverted to higher levels. Multilevel analysis revealed positive correlations between the used measures with time-on-task. We interpret these results as support for a strong link between task disengagement and mental fatigue.",

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A multifaceted investigation of the link between mental fatigue and task disengagement

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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