Approximate reading time: 3 minutes

Imagine a group of 18-year-old high school graduates planning a wilderness camping trip to celebrate their graduation. The group is diverse, with varying levels of camping experience. The good news is that the campsite has stunning views and great hikes nearby. The bad news is that bears have been spotted nearby foraging for summer berries. This bad news is particularly stressing out the beginner campers.

Finding the ‘Just Right’ Level of Alertness

As the camping trip approaches, the students experience different levels of arousal. Some are under-aroused, perhaps because they are seasoned campers and find the preparation to be routine. Others might be over-aroused due to the novelty and challenges of camping, like setting up tents or cooking outdoors, leading to anxiety. They are also a bit freaked out about the possibility of bumping into a bear while on a hike. The Optimal Arousal Model suggests that each student needs to find a balance to enjoy the trip fully.

Managing Stress and Boredom

The under-aroused students, to combat boredom, might take on more challenging tasks like planning a hiking route or learning advanced outdoor survival skills. Some of these under-aroused students might even be tempted to get into a bit of mischief or goof around just to keep their minds busy. This extra activity increases their engagement and excitement. On the other hand, the over-aroused students should probably reduce their stress. They could do this by familiarizing themselves with camping equipment in advance or pairing up with more experienced campers for support around what to do if they see a bear.

Applying the Yerkes-Dodson Law

The trip involves a mix of simple tasks (like setting up a tent) and complex ones (like navigating a hiking trail). According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, the students should be more alert for the simple tasks but more relaxed for the complex ones. For instance, they might approach tent setting with enthusiasm and energy, but adopt a calm and focused approach for hiking to ensure safety and enjoyment.