I do not think it is ever possible to know exactly how we will handle a
particular stress / anxiety provoking situation but the process of
visualising it / thinking about it / preparing oneself is extremely
important.
As the psychologist on aircrew selection boards for the RAAF, l was
always interested in the standard question (asked usually by the board
president, an aircrew member) to wit: " you are flying over enemy
territory and are the one with the final say in dropping the bomb (or
whatever) what would you do". It was not the answer that they gave per
se but the way they answered the question which was most telling, eg:
did they faint on the spot? Did they jump and down with glee at the
prospect or did they give a considered reply about training, do ones
best etc.
Just a thought.
Jo-Anne Hamilton