Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property H5PWordPress::$plugin_slug is deprecated in /var/www/vhosts/dev.bravotango.ca/httpdocs/pspnet/wp-content/plugins/h5p/public/class-h5p-wordpress.php on line 74
Cognitive overload
Cognitive overload occurs when a person has too much to think about and becomes overwhelmed trying to complete multiple tasks. The person thinks the tasks are too difficult or there is not enough time to do everything that needs to be done. The experience of cognitive overload is often associated with expectations and a sense of responsibility to do too much. The demands (real or perceived) exceed what an individual can reasonably manage.
Consequences of cognitive overload
Constant changes to accommodate the PSP can take a toll. Families can experience flexibility fatigue, relationship strain, uncertainty, and guilt.
Try: Skill-building Exercises
Need Something More?
Check out our self-directed Spouse or Significant Other Wellbeing Course.
References for this page (click to expand)
American Psychological Association. (2022). APA Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved July 18, 2022, from https://dictionary.apa.org/
Brodie, P. J., & Eppler, C. (2012). Exploration of Perceived Stressors, Communication, and Resilience in Law-Enforcement Couples. Journal of family psychotherapy, 23(1), 20-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/08975353.2012.654082
Dean, L., Churchill, B., & Ruppanner, L. (2022). The mental load: building a deeper theoretical understanding of how cognitive and emotional labor overload women and mothers. Community, work & family, 25(1), 13-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/13668803.2021.2002813
Duxbury, L., & Higgins, C. (2012). Caring for and about those who serve: work-life conflict and employee well being within Canada’s police. Sprott School of Business, Carleton University.
Karaffa, K., Openshaw, L., Koch, J., Clark, H., Harr, C., & Stewart, C. (2015). Perceived Impact of Police Work on Marital Relationships. The Family journal (Alexandria, Va.), 23(2), 120-131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480714564381
Regehr, C. (2005). Bringing the trauma home: Spouses of paramedics. Journal of loss & trauma, 10(2), 97-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325020590908812
Regehr, C., Dimitropoulos, G., Bright, E., George, S., & Henderson, J. (2005). Behind the Brotherhood: Rewards and Challenges for Wives of Firefighters. Family relations, 54(3), 423-435. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2005.00328.x
Watkins, S. L., Shannon, M. A., Hurtado, D. A., Shea, S. A., & Bowles, N. P. (2021). Interactions between home, work, and sleep among firefighters. American journal of industrial medicine, 64(2), 137-148. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.23194