Psychology of Space Exploration

From Earth Analogs to Space: Getting There from Here

considered fusion factors. He also found that intermittent communication was a

major source of conflict and misunderstanding between crews and external sup-

port personnel, a clear source of fission influence. Examples of fusion factors for

this group were effective leadership styles, which played a significant role in sta-

tion and crew functioning, as well as the ability to move furniture and decorate

both common and private areas, which facilitated adaptation and adjustment.^18

•   Individual and crew performance is perhaps the clearest, most frequently studied

outcome. Yet there are challenges in defining what constitutes acceptable out-

comes at both the individual and group levels. They are not always the same

thing, as investigations into missions that failed to meet expectations have

repeatedly confirmed. It is a mistake to try to assess and maximize performance

without understanding group dynamics, the effects of isolation and confinement

or the environment in general on inhabitants. Given that our selection crite-

ria have been little more than ruling out pathology and matching task require-

ments with technical proficiency within individuals, it is of little surprise that our

efforts to implement performance improvements have been only modestly suc-

cessful and fraught with inconsistent results. It is necessary to take the next steps

to identify which individual and group characteristics are maximally associated

with adaptation and functioning in these high-challenge environments.

TERRESTRIAL ANALOGS FOR SPACE

There are surprising similarities and differences found across environments.
G. M. Sandal et al. found that coping strategies during confinement on polar expe-
ditions were different from those in hyperbaric chambers.^19 Whereas polar teams
evidenced a delay interval with a marked drop in aggression until after the first
quarter, with concomitant increase in homesickness, chamber teams displayed a
steady gradual increase in coping over time. A number of researchers have noted
that it is not the site that seems to matter, but rather it is the differences in the mis-

18. Palinkas, “Psychosocial Effects of Adjustment in Antarctica: Lessons for Long-Duration
    Spaceflight”: 471.


19. Sandal, Vaernes, Bergan, Warncke, and Ursin, “Psychological Reactions During Polar
    Expeditions and Isolation in Hyperbaric Chambers”: 227.