Mental Health and Performance: The Role of Emotional Regulation in Enhancing X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Diffraction (XRF-XRD) Analytical Precision under Laboratory Stress
Haiping OuyangAbstract
Objective
This study investigates the causal relationship between structured emotional regulation training and the analytical precision of XRF-XRD combined techniques for magmatic rock analysis in high-stress laboratories. It aims to determine how mitigating operators' anxiety and cognitive pressure through psychological skills training enhances data reliability, directly linking mental health support to scientific output quality.
Subjects and Methods
A controlled intervention involved 40 geochemical analysts randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving 6 weeks of emotional regulation training (mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal) and a control group continuing standard practice. Both groups analyzed identical complex rock samples under simulated high-pressure deadlines. Data precision was statistically evaluated alongside standardized measures of anxiety (STAI) and perceived stress (PSS).
Results
The experimental group showed an 18% improvement in analytical precision (p < 0.01) and a 22% reduction in data outliers. Psychometric data indicated a 35% decrease in task-related anxiety (p < 0.01) and lower perceived stress. Performance gains were most significant for the most complex samples, where cognitive and emotional demand was highest.
Conclusions
Targeted emotional regulation training significantly improves both the mental well-being of laboratory personnel and the technical precision of high-stakes geochemical analyses. This provides empirical evidence that proactive mental health strategies are essential for ensuring data quality, scientific rigor, and a sustainable research culture in high-pressure laboratory environments.
Corresponding Author
Haiping Ouyang, Jiangxi College of Applied Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China.