What are 'stressors' in a diving environment?

Stressors in a diving environment refer to conditions that contribute to accidents or negatively impact a diver's ability to perform safely. These can include physical factors like temperature changes, equipment failure, or environmental hazards such as strong currents or poor visibility. Additionally, psychological stressors, such as anxiety or panic, can also affect a diver's situational awareness and decision-making skills. Understanding stressors is crucial for divers, as it allows them to recognize and mitigate risks, leading to safer diving practices and a proactive approach to emergency situations.

Relaxation factors, safe diving techniques, and equipment maintenance issues are not classified as stressors. While they are important aspects of diving safety and comfort, they do not directly relate to the concept of stressors which focus on adverse conditions that lead to risk and potential accidents.