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Yerkes-Dodson Law

Definition

The Yerkes-Dodson law is a psychological principle that states performance on tasks improves up to a point with increased physiological or mental arousal (stress), but beyond that point, further increases in arousal can lead to decreased performance.

Analogy

Think of the Yerkes-Dodson law like heating up your food in the microwave. A little heat warms it up perfectly, but too much heat and your food gets overcooked or even burnt. Similarly, a certain level of stress can enhance our performance, but too much stress can hinder it.

Related terms

Arousal Theory: This theory suggests that people are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal.

Stress: A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Performance Anxiety: The anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia which may be aroused in an individual by the requirement to perform in front of an audience.