Attention in psychology is studied quite closely, because of this skill depends on the ability of a person to socialize, the solution of everyday tasks. Properties of attention - the object of study of many scientists who have already written more than one thousand scientific papers. The phenomenon of perception is still being studied, in the hope of defeating the distraction of attention. Do you feel that there is not enough attention? There is no understanding how to develop attention span? Tired of the everlasting accusations about the lack of agreement? We advise you to read this article to the end.
Attention Properties
Attention - the concept of composite, which includes a number of components. The most important among them are concentration, volume, switchability, distribution and sustainability of attention. Training these skills allows a person to be collected and diligent. If one of the named components is not fully developed, the person regularly lacks attention. Therefore, those who are afraid to miss something important need to develop all the properties of attention. Fortunately, there are plenty of exercises for this.
Concentration of attention - determines the speed and accuracy of focusing on the object. This skill is closely related to the ability to concentrate. The ability to concentrate helps to complete the task faster. If a person can not fully focus, it means distraction of attention. It may occur due to strong distractions, or the physiological characteristics of a person, his state of health. Recommendations on how to deal with distraction will be given in the next section.
Attention span - is the ability to keep several objects in sight at the same time. Good quality in multitasking, for example, when it comes to the use of transport. After all, the driver must not only concentrate on the roadway, but also understand where other road users are, and also look at the road signs.
Switchable attention - the ability to quickly move the focus between objects. Since it is impossible to hold attention in many directions at the same time, you have to switch. If this happens purposefully, deliberately and according to objective necessity, then it is about switching. If a person simply cannot concentrate, then distractibility takes place. And she, in turn, causes distraction. If a long time to perform similar work, then gradually it can be brought to automatism, thereby reducing the switching time between different objects.
Distribution of attention - the ability to prioritize, while simultaneously keeping several objects in the field of view. This can be done most effectively if objects are sensed with the help of different sense organs. For example, you can simultaneously watch something and listen to music. The quality of perception will not differ, but, at a certain point, if the object of visual perception turns out to be more significant, you can lose sight of the soundtrack.
Attention stability - stability of perception, which can be supported by interest, or the possibility of researching new properties of the selected object or subject. If it is regularly revealed to the observer in unexpected directions, then the sustainability of attention will not decrease. This property determines the interest between people. The more multifaceted the interlocutor, the longer it will cause interest.
Evaluating attention, psychology takes into account all its properties, since each of them is important in a person’s life. But one of the most important is the ability to concentrate. If it is poorly developed, the person will be inattentive and absent-minded.
Absent mindedness
Distraction of attention is the inability to concentrate. It can be caused by both objective and subjective factors. The first are various external stimuli that distract a person. The second can be attributed features of the human psyche, as well as his state of health.
It is customary to distinguish at least seven types of absent-mindedness:
- Poetic - a state of reverie;
- Professorial - the absorption of all the attention of one topic;
- Student's - excessive distractibility and mobility;
- True - wandering attention, without stopping at a particular object;
- Senile - weak concentration;
- Selective - addictive to something (for example, the ticking of a clock);
- Motivated - the conscious avoidance of certain topics, objects or subjects.
Distraction of attention, depending on its type, is provoked by various factors. Accordingly, in order to prevent or overcome it, it is necessary to eliminate the cause.
Most often, absent-mindedness occurs in response to fatigue, stress, insomnia, poor motivation, or disruption of the central nervous system. Pathological inattention is also called aprojection.
How to overcome distraction of attention?
If inattention is caused by pathological changes, then it is necessary to deal with it with the help of drugs, such as antidepressants, or nootropic drugs. If the reason is of a mental nature, then psychotherapy or developmental exercises that improve the properties of attention are sufficient.
An equally important role is played by proper nutrition, providing the body with all the necessary substances. Products such as nuts, honey, eggs, fish, berries, vegetables and fruits are very useful for normal brain function. If a person receives less vital nutrients, his intellectual activity as a whole is reduced, including attentiveness.
Distraction of attention is a collective phenomenon, but the result is the same. It consists in the inability to concentrate on a particular activity. In order to prevent the occurrence of this state, it is desirable to study the properties of attention and understand where it is desirable to refine. Most often, if a person does not have enough attention, it speaks of his fatigue and fatigue. Thus, in order to become more attentive, you must take care of yourself and not overwork yourself.
