Psychology of Space Exploration
than positive interactions. An index greater than 1 (e.g., 25.0) shows that there
are more positive than negative interactions. In our simulations, the experimental
group index of amicability was 44.3. The control group had an index of amicability
of 14.8. Thus, using the difference in index of amicability between the two groups
as a measure of the efficacy of the preflight training, we find a very large improve-
ment in social functioning of 299 percent from a small investment of 2 hours in a
training program.
It is important to remember that the total number of negative interactions
was low in both groups and that both groups enjoyed the experience very much.
There were no nasty incidents in either group. However, the group with the pre-
flight training had an index of amicability nearly three times greater than that of
the placebo group.
It is necessary to report publicly the above civilian spaceflight simulation study
at this time in order to employ its results in discussing the management of negative
interpersonal interactions. As the impetus for space tourism ramps up, more such
studies will be forthcoming that will attempt to replicate these findings. They will
also greatly broaden the range of variables explored. We now have useful informa-
tion, especially about simulated civilian spaceflight, to use in discussing all inter-
personal interaction—positive, neutral, and negative. One of the purposes of this
paper is to excite other scientists to conduct such research. Bales and others have
given us the tools to be able to perform interpersonal interaction studies. This
report of the study conducted in my laboratory demonstrates that such studies can
be accomplished and produce valuable results.
Shortly before we conducted the simulation study in my laboratory, Sandal,
Vaernes, and Ursin reported a simulation study of long-duration spaceflights (30
and 60 days) that they had conducted for the European Space Agency (ESA).^6 This
group of researchers used decompression chambers at a naval base as spaceflight
simulators. This study, too, used the Bales Interaction Analysis technique. We pat-
terned our design after theirs so that our data could be compared. Prior anecdotal
evidence from extreme environments (e.g., wintering over in Antarctica) suggested
that negative interpersonal interactions among persons in the environment tended
- G. Sandal, R. Vaernes, and H. Ursin, “Interpersonal Relations During Simulated Space
Missions,” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 66, no. 7 (July 1995): 17–24.