The panic triangle: onset of panic in scuba divers

Area of Science:

• Applied Psychology
• Scuba Diving Safety

Background:

• Panic is a significant factor in scuba diving incidents, escalating problems and leading to injuries or fatalities.
• Instinctive panic behaviors, like rapid ascent, are incompatible with safe scuba diving practices.
• Current diver training insufficiently addresses the psychological mechanisms of panic and anxiety management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an accessible model for understanding panic in scuba divers.
• To enhance diver and educator awareness of psychological factors influencing panic.
• To promote improved emotional regulation and personal responsibility in diving.

Main Methods:

• Review of theoretical models of anxiety and panic in applied psychology.
• Adaptation of psychological frameworks to the context of scuba diving.
• Development of a new, accessible model for diver panic.

Main Results:

• A proposed model offers a simple framework for divers to understand panic onset.
• The model highlights the importance of adequate training, adhering to standards, and recognizing personal limitations.
• It emphasizes psychological fitness to dive and individual responsibility for emotional regulation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed panic model can improve diver understanding and risk management.
• Enhanced focus on psychological preparedness is crucial for scuba diving safety.
• Accessible psychological models can support better emotional regulation and reduce diving accidents.