COGNITIVE BIASES IN FAULT DIAGNOSIS: MITIGATING COGNITIVE RIGIDITY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESS IN ELECTRICAL AUTOMATION TECHNICIANS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract Objectives Electrical automation technicians often work in high-stress environments, which can compromise their mental health and impair decision-making. Fault diagnosis is particularly susceptible to cognitive biases like rigidity—a trait also observed in conditions such as schizophrenia. This study examines whether a targeted psychological intervention could mitigate these biases, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and psychological well-being. Methods Seventy-five technicians were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 38) receiving a psychological intervention or a control group (n = 37) with no training. The intervention included education on cognitive biases and case-based exercises designed to foster cognitive flexibility. Pre- and post-assessments used simulated tasks to measure diagnostic accuracy and a validated scale for psychosocial stress. Results The experimental group showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy and reduced cognitive rigidity post-intervention. They also reported markedly lower psychosocial stress. The control group demonstrated no significant changes in these measures. The results clearly indicate a strong link between increased cognitive flexibility and reduced occupational stress. Conclusions A structured psychological intervention effectively reduces cognitive biases and associated stress in technicians. Integrating such mental health support into technical training is vital for improving safety, reliability, and workforce well-being. This approach can help prevent occupational stress-related psychological difficulties, fostering a healthier and more effective professional environment.