I just read this article & even skimmed the study, but I can't figure out what the relation of stress to code quality is. Poor quality is high stress? Or high stress means that you are meticulous and are likely to produce higher quality code?
"code elements that are perceived more difficult by developers also end up having more quality concerns found in peer code reviews"
For example, if you're under the pump and have unrealistic deadlines, you are more likely going to write less quality code. Not because you're trying to cut corners, but because when you have the time, you go over your code an improve it about five times before submitting it and have a freer mind to do that.
What are your thoughts?
Is it really a surprise that the distractions, disruptions, and fatigue of stress affect a task that requires significant focus, concentration, and creativity? Or that not having much time to review and revise your work will result in lower quality than if you did have the chance to improve it?
Kind of strikes me as a "Breaking news - water is wet!" announcement.
Water is wet.