Identifying NPP operator stressors using grounded theory

Abstract

Abstract Nuclear power plant (NPP) operators manage crucial decision-making and operational tasks in precarious and complex environments, where psychological stress directly correlates with system safety and operational efficiency. However, the existing research largely explores single factors or specific scenarios, lacking systematic analysis. This study aims to identify psychological stress-influencing factors for nuclear power plant operators based on grounded theory. Accordingly, work experience data were collected from 25 operators in NPPs through semi-structured interviews. Using open, axial, and selective coding, we identified key categories and constructed a multidimensional load model of psychological stress. The finding revealed that operators’ psychological stress was attributable to the following seven factors: interface management load, task complexity, alarm load, transient and emergency task load, shift work and continuous load, error handling load, and communication load. Moreover, the stressors interact and compound, elevating operators’ psychological and cognitive burdens. Overall, this study presents a novel outlook for comprehending psychological stress in precarious environments and recommends further investigation of the dynamic correlations among these factors.