From the Past to the Futureand safety—potentially, it could even jeopardize the mission. Some disorders, for
example, certain types of depression and anxiety disorders, as well as liability for
schizophrenia, have a considerable genetic component that might be detected by
inquiries about family background. As the field of genetic testing and other statis-
tical predictors of dysfunction develop over time, this information could be used in
screening, selection, and later evaluation. However, in fairness to individual astro-
nauts, it is very important to remain cognizant of the fact that “liability” is not
the same as the development of a disorder. Moreover, in reality, it seems impossi-
ble to deal with possible deleterious behavioral health consequences in space sim-
ply by focusing on selection criteria, which thus far have been the most prominent
countermeasure applied by space agencies. Therefore, the careful development and
implementation of psychological, pharmaceutical, and other countermeasures to
deal with these potential problems is extremely important.
In recent years, a number of reports, papers, and books have identified and
emphasized psychological problems related to long-duration spaceflights. Concerns
have been raised about the stressors to which crewmembers are exposed and the
potential deleterious effects on health, group functioning, performance, and safety.
More recently, Peter Suedfeld has brought a new perspective into the field by empha-
sizing the salutogenic, growth-enhancing aspects of experiences in space as well as in
other extreme environments and conditions. Rather than focusing on pathogenesis,
this approach directs attention to the fostering of human strengths that act as buf-
fers against psychological dysfunction and the adverse effects of stress. Chapter 7, by
Suedfeld, Kasia Wilk, and Lindi Cassel, presents a careful study of the change in val-
ues and coping mechanisms by majority and minority crewmembers from preflight to
in-flight and postflight status, with somewhat different trajectories and value changes
between the two groups. The in-flight increase by minority members in spiritual-
ity and family interest reflects positive growth; the decline in references to power
and self-direction may be a reflection of a “host/guest” phenomenon. While these
value changes were not sustained postflight, it is possible that with the experience
of an extended flight to the Moon or Mars, greater changes in values would occur
that would be more stable and would extend to the postflight period. In general, a
transformation of a value hierarchy might represent a coping strategy for maintain-
ing motivation during long-duration missions. This transformation might also be
reflected in terms of certain personality characteristics becoming more prominent
or diminished, depending on the individual’s space experiences.