Tunnel vision is classified as what type of phenomenon?

Tunnel vision is classified as a perceptual distortion phenomenon. This term refers to a narrowing of focus and the inability to perceive the broader context or alternative perspectives due to heightened emotions or stress. In high-pressure situations, such as those often encountered by law enforcement officers, this phenomenon can significantly affect decision-making and situational awareness, leading to potential oversights.

While focus distortion might suggest an alteration in how an individual channels their attention, it doesn’t fully capture the comprehensive nature of how perception is affected under stress. Auditory and physical distortions pertain more to changes in what a person hears or experiences physically, rather than how the brain processes visual and situational cues. Hence, defining tunnel vision as perceptual distortion accurately encompasses the psychological and sensory elements involved in this narrowed focus.