vigilance

psychology

Also known as: sustained attention, sustained vigilance

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Vigilance, in psychology, refers to sustained attention over time, often in "watchkeeping" activities where continuous monitoring is required for infrequent and unpredictable events. This can be challenging, as performance can decline over time, especially during long, uneventful tasks. Factors influencing vigilance include task complexity, environmental stimulation, and the frequency of relevant events. Performance can be improved by increasing task complexity, receiving feedback, and even through mild diversions like conversation. Conversely, factors like lack of sleep and noisy environments can impair vigilance.1

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attention
Sustained attention: vigilance
Sustained attention, or vigilance, as it is more often called, refers to the state in which attention must be maintained over time. Often this is to be found in some form of “watchkeeping” activity when an observer, or listener, must continuously monitor a situation…
Read More
Sustained attention, or vigilance, as it is more often called, refers to the state in which attention must be maintained over time. Often this is to be found in some form of “watchkeeping” activity when an observer, or listener, must continuously monitor a situation…
Read More