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BACKGROUND: Groups in society that are under-represented in the workforce encounter various barriers in the job-seeking process. Some of these barriers are found on the employer’s side of the table. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates... more
BACKGROUND: Groups in society that are under-represented in the workforce encounter various barriers in the job-seeking process. Some of these barriers are found on the employer’s side of the table. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates supervisors’ and employees’ assessments of job seekers with different forms of disabilities, health issues, or with a minority background. It also investigates respondents’ previous experience with such colleagues, and whether supervisor status affects their assessments. METHODS: A survey was distributed among supervisors (n = 305) and employees (n = 925) using a vignette design with ten characters, inquiring about willingness to include such an employee in their work group. The vignettes described job se.ekers with either a mental illness, a physical disability or a cultural minority. Risk ratio (RR) was calculated for being assessed positively, using a vignette character describing a single. mother as reference. RESULTS: Vignette characters describing...
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As the duration of space missions increases and crews become more heterogeneous, psychological and interpersonal factors are likely to play an increasingly important role in determining mission success. Empirical evidence about... more
As the duration of space missions increases and crews become more heterogeneous, psychological and interpersonal factors are likely to play an increasingly important role in determining mission success. Empirical evidence about psychological factors in space has to a large extent been based on personnel in analogue environments. Studies in these environments have included effects of multi-nationality on crew interaction, gender issues, development of tension within crews and in relation to Mission Control. Results so far demonstrate the need for countermeasures designed to address psychological and interpersonal dysfunctions, specifically selection, training and in-flight support.
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To gain knowledge about psychological issues in space, data have been collected from groups in isolated and confined settings on Earth. This study examines the possibility of generalizing psychological findings across such environments.... more
To gain knowledge about psychological issues in space, data have been collected from groups in isolated and confined settings on Earth. This study examines the possibility of generalizing psychological findings across such environments. Psychological reactions among personnel in different Antarctic environments show similar time patterns. Antarctic personnel differ in personality from submariners to crews confined in hyperbaric chambers to military recruits. Psychological reactions were evaluated by the Revised Antarctic Questionnaire. The Personality Characteristic Inventory was used to measure personality. Personnel stationed on a ship (n = 19) showed high coping during the whole mission, whereas personnel on land bases (n = 18) showed a marked decline around the third quarter. Reduced coping in the land-based groups was associated with stress from interpersonal relationships. Compared with submariners (n = 54) and hyperbaric chamber crews (n = 20), Antarctic personnel scored lowe...
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Research Interests: Stress Management, Occupational Medicine, Exercise therapy, Medicine, Physical Therapy, and 14 moreNorway, Workplace, Software Design, Humans, Female, Male, Occupational, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Randomized Controlled Trial, Occupational therapy services in mental health services, Physical Exercise, Psychological Stress, and Sick Leave
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This paper presents a review of personality research conducted by investigators at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Bergen. Over the past several years, personality data have been collected on active duty NASA... more
This paper presents a review of personality research conducted by investigators at The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Bergen. Over the past several years, personality data have been collected on active duty NASA astronauts (N=66), final stage astronaut applicants (N=259), Australian Antarctic station personnel (N=111) and Norwegian polar scientists (N=34). Analyses of the astronaut data have demonstrated that astronauts and astronaut applicants possess atypical personality profiles characterized by positive affect, low neuroticism and high levels of conscientiousness and achievement motivation. Analyses of the Antarctic personnel data have suggested a cross culturally consistent profile of low interpersonal negativity and low neuroticism. These two populations differ primarily on measures of achievement motivation, with astronauts scoring higher than both the Antarctic personnel and a comparative student population on scales assessing those traits. Implications for the generalization of research findings from space analogue environments are discussed.
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The operation of a permanently manned International Space Station represents a significant challenge to space agencies in the area of ensuring optimal crew performance. Interpersonal tension represents one factor that might interfere with... more
The operation of a permanently manned International Space Station represents a significant challenge to space agencies in the area of ensuring optimal crew performance. Interpersonal tension represents one factor that might interfere with the ability of individuals and groups to cooperate and communicate efficiently. An ongoing simulation study conducted at the Institute of Biomedical Problems in Moscow has provided an opportunity to investigate the interaction within and between two crews with four members, living for 110 and 240 days in separate modules. One group is multinational and the other is composed of Russians. The objective is to identify factors increasing interpersonal tension and strategies used by crewmembers for dealing with such problems. At regular intervals during the confinement, peer ratings and questionnaires concerning interpersonal relationships, mood and well being are completed. After the confinement, individual interviews are conducted. Preliminary results...
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This paper discusses how space safety is influenced by the ability of teams to work and communicate effectively together. A multi-national team of six authors provides different perspectives on human systems, from both research and... more
This paper discusses how space safety is influenced by the ability of teams to work and communicate effectively together. A multi-national team of six authors provides different perspectives on human systems, from both research and operational points of view. When operations involve teams whose members cross organizational and cultural boundaries as they do in current space operations, it is especially critical and challenging to facilitate the most effective team performance. Three key factors that affect team performance and space safety are discussed: (1) communication as related to team performance; (2) the influence of organizations, teams and culture and (3) team training interventions. Relevant research and current practices are described for each of the three areas and a summary in the form of recommendations is provided.
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Background: Much of our present understanding about psychology in space is based on studies of groups operating in so-called analogue environments where personnel are exposed to many of the same stressors as those experienced by... more
Background: Much of our present understanding about psychology in space is based on studies of groups operating in so-called analogue environments where personnel are exposed to many of the same stressors as those experienced by astronauts in space. One possible problem with extrapolating results is that personnel operating in various hazardous and confined environments might differ in characteristics influencing coping,
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This paper addresses the impact of cultural heterogeneity on interpersonal tension during multinational space missions. Data were collected during SFINCSS '99, which simulated the living conditions on ISS. Three crews (n = 12) were... more
This paper addresses the impact of cultural heterogeneity on interpersonal tension during multinational space missions. Data were collected during SFINCSS '99, which simulated the living conditions on ISS. Three crews (n = 12) were confined in connected hyperbaric chambers. Group 1 was confined for 240 d, while Groups 2 and 3 were confined for 110 d. Group 1 was composed of four Russian subjects; Group 2 included three Russian subjects and one non-Russian subject; and Group 3 included Japanese, Russian, Austrian and Canadian subjects. Group 3 included the only female participant. Peer ratings, questionnaires and interviews assessed tension within and between crews, critical incidents and cultural factors impacting on crew interaction. Compared with Group 1, Group 3 evaluated their own group and the Mission Control more negatively. A conflict between Group 1 and 3 was reflected in mutual negative ratings after 1 mo. This situation resulted in an unplanned closure of the hatch bet...
Research Interests: Engineering, Psychology, Social Psychology, Interpersonal Communication, International Cooperation, and 15 moreGroup Processes, Cultural Diversity, Medicine, Humans, Female, Male, Interpersonal Relations, Medical Physiology, ASTRONAUTS, Middle Aged, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Confined Spaces, Crew, and Conflict Psychology
As the duration of space flights increases and crews become more heterogeneous, psychosocial factors are likely to play an increasingly important role in determining mission success. The operations of the International Space Station and... more
As the duration of space flights increases and crews become more heterogeneous, psychosocial factors are likely to play an increasingly important role in determining mission success. The operations of the International Space Station and planning of interplanetary missions represent important future challenges for how to select, train and monitor crews. So far, empirical evidence about psychological factors in space is based on simulations and personnel in analog environments (i.e. polar expeditions, submarines). It is apparent that attempts to transfer from these environments to space requires a thorough analysis of the human behavior specific to the fields. Recommendations for research include the effects of multi-nationality on crew interaction, development of tension within crews and between Mission Control, and prediction of critical phases in adaptation over time. Selection of interpersonally compatible crews, pre-mission team training and implementation of tools for self-monit...
Research Interests: Computer Science, Communication, Personality, Group Processes, Medicine, and 15 moreHumans, Space flight, Aerospace Medicine, Human behavior, Social Isolation, Psychosocial, Interpersonal Relations, Aeronautics, ASTRONAUTS, Empirical evidence, International space station, Crew, Space Simulation, cultural characteristics, and Weightlessness
There has been a substantial increase in the number of people living and operating in isolated, confined, and artificially engineered environments, such as spacecraft, deep diving, weather stations, submarines, and polar outposts. This... more
There has been a substantial increase in the number of people living and operating in isolated, confined, and artificially engineered environments, such as spacecraft, deep diving, weather stations, submarines, and polar outposts. This article gives an overview of research undertaken in a variety of extreme environments in an effort to better understand how semiautonomous, task-oriented groups operating within these environments develop over time, as well as identification of the individual characteristics that promote performance under such circumstances. Research reviewed includes space simulation studies for the European Space Agency (ESA) where groups were isolated in hyperbaric chambers, as well as findings from polar expeditions, space missions, submarine missions, and other military settings. Findings from the space simulation studies in hyperbaric chambers provided empirical evidence for interpersonal issues anecdotally reported in Antarctica and in other isolated, operation...
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Two space simulation studies for the European Space Agency found that interpersonal tension increased in the beginning, around the middle, and toward the end of the confinement. This article reports data from a third study where this... more
Two space simulation studies for the European Space Agency found that interpersonal tension increased in the beginning, around the middle, and toward the end of the confinement. This article reports data from a third study where this issue was further examined. Three subjects were confined in the MIR space station simulator in Moscow for 135 days. Communication analysis, peer rating, questionnaires, and interviews were used to assess crew tension. The temporal pattern found in this study corresponds to the previous findings. The beginning of the period was characterized by competition over leadership. Decreased crew cohesion and aggression toward the mission control marked the middle of the confinement. In the final weeks, open conflicts emerged, and one member was socially excluded. Joking occurred frequently in the first half of the confinement, whereas negative emotional expressions increased in the second half. These results might assist planners in anticipating behavioral probl...
Research Interests: Psychology, Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Group Processes, Medicine, and 15 moreRussia, Humans, Aerospace Medicine, Environment Behavior, Aggression, Male, Social Isolation, Interpersonal Relations, Aeronautics, ASTRONAUTS, Emotional Expression, Questionnaires, Adult, Crew, and Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Individual differences in the subjective health effects of shiftwork are reviewed. Circadian regulation and brain restitution (sleep) are the crucial mechanisms by which inter-individual factors can affect tolerance to shiftwork. On the... more
Individual differences in the subjective health effects of shiftwork are reviewed. Circadian regulation and brain restitution (sleep) are the crucial mechanisms by which inter-individual factors can affect tolerance to shiftwork. On the other hand, shiftworkers can use different coping mechanisms by trying to schedule their lives and especially their sleeping habits to work at unusual hours. Individual factors related to shiftwork tolerance are discussed in two groups; first, the factors which affect primarily the circadian adjustment; and, second, the factors which mainly relate to the ability to sleep at unusual hours. The significance of circadian adjustment in shiftwork tolerance is outlined.
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Background The current situation in Afghanistan makes it likely that we are facing a new wave of Afghan refugees, warranting more knowledge about how to deal with mental health problems among them. This study aims to gain more knowledge... more
Background The current situation in Afghanistan makes it likely that we are facing a new wave of Afghan refugees, warranting more knowledge about how to deal with mental health problems among them. This study aims to gain more knowledge on Explanatory Models (EM) of depression and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) among Afghan refugees resettled in Norway. Methods We conducted six gender-separated, semi-structured focusgroup interviews based on vignettes with Afghan refugees (total N = 27). The vignettes described a fictional character with symptoms of either depression or PTSD symptoms in line with DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria. Results The findings showed that EM varied with gender, age, generation, and migration stories. Participants suggested different potential causes, risk factors, and ways of managing symptoms of depression and PTSD depending on the context (e.g., in Norway vs. Afghanistan). In describing the causes of the depression/PTSD in the vignettes, females tended to ...
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During future long duration space exploration missions, humans will be exposed to combinations of extreme physical, psychological and interpersonal demands. These demands create risks for safety, performance, health, and wellbeing of both... more
During future long duration space exploration missions, humans will be exposed to combinations of extreme physical, psychological and interpersonal demands. These demands create risks for safety, performance, health, and wellbeing of both individuals and crew. The communication latency in deep space means that explorers will increasingly have to operate independently and take responsibility for their own self-care and self-management. At present, several research programmes are focused on developing and testing digital technologies and countermeasures that support the effective functioning of deep space crews. Although promising, these initiatives have been stimulated mostly by technological opportunity rather than cogent theory. In this perspective, we argue that digital technologies developed for spaceflight should be informed by wellbeing supportive design principles and be cognisant of broader conversations around the development and use of digital health applications, especiall...
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Despite a seemingly higher need, refugees in Europe tend to underuse mental health (MH) services. To better understand this underuse, it is important to understand refugees' willingness and ability to seek help from their general... more
Despite a seemingly higher need, refugees in Europe tend to underuse mental health (MH) services. To better understand this underuse, it is important to understand refugees' willingness and ability to seek help from their general practitioner (GP) when experiencing MH problems. We employed a combined vignette and survey design to explore how the GP fits into the larger context of help-seeking preferences among a sample of Syrian refugees in Norway (n = 92), and what barriers they perceive in accessing help from the GP. We also examined how indicators of integration relate to seeking help from the GP. We take an exploratory approach. Participants were presented a vignette of an individual with symptoms in line with ICD-10 and DSM-5 criteria for depression. Participants were somewhat likely to seek help from the GP; however, seeking help from one's relationship with Allah/God and one's partner was preferred. Furthermore, while the GP was rated a somewhat likely help-seekin...
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Data are collected through an online survey including a film vignette case of a simulated clinical consultation, which participants (general practitioners) will watch and be asked to answer questions regarding what clinical decisions they... more
Data are collected through an online survey including a film vignette case of a simulated clinical consultation, which participants (general practitioners) will watch and be asked to answer questions regarding what clinical decisions they would have made about this patient and how certain they are about those decisions. Study subjects are randomly assigned to 1 of 4 different treatment groups: evaluating either a Somali refugee or a Norwegian patient, and either a female or a male.
Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-sjp-10.1177_1403494821993714 for Perceived consequences and worries among youth in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown by Stine Lehmann, Jens Christoffer Skogen, Ellen Haug, Silje Mæland, Lars... more
Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-sjp-10.1177_1403494821993714 for Perceived consequences and worries among youth in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown by Stine Lehmann, Jens Christoffer Skogen, Ellen Haug, Silje Mæland, Lars Thore Fadnes, Gro Mjeldheim Sandal, Mari Hysing and Ragnhild Bjørknes in Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may have multifarious adverse effects on the mental health for some youth. To our knowledge, no study has followed young people beyond the first six months of the pandemic outbreak. The aim of this study... more
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may have multifarious adverse effects on the mental health for some youth. To our knowledge, no study has followed young people beyond the first six months of the pandemic outbreak. The aim of this study was to examine 1) Change in internalizing, externalizing, and total mental health problems over two time-points with a nine-month interval during the COVID-19 outbreak and 2) Whether contextual and COVID-19-related factors contribute to change in mental health problems. Methods: Youth within the municipality of Bergen aged 11-18 years were invited via SMS to participate in an online survey in April and again in December 2020. A total of 2997 (40%) youth participated at baseline in the present study, and 1598 (53.3%) completed the second survey. At baseline, the mean age was 16.0 (SD=1.7) years, about 60% were girls, and 93% were born in Norway. Comparison across time was approached using inferential statistics and mixed linear models with maximum li...
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Aims The aim of this study was to examine how the Norwegian general adult population was affected by non-pharmaceutical interventions during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. We assessed quarantine, symptoms, social... more
Aims The aim of this study was to examine how the Norwegian general adult population was affected by non-pharmaceutical interventions during the first six weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. We assessed quarantine, symptoms, social distancing, home office/school, work status, social contact and health-care contact through digital access and knowledge. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed of 29,535 adults (aged 18–99) in Norway after six weeks of non-pharmaceutical interventions in March/April 2020. Results Most participants found the non-pharmaceutical interventions to be manageable, with 20% of all adults and 30% of those aged <30 regarding them as acceptable only to some or a limited degree. Sixteen per cent had been quarantined, 6% had experienced symptoms that could be linked to COVID-19 and 84% practiced social distancing. Eleven per cent reported changes in the use of health and social services. Three-quarters (75%) of those who had mental health or physiotherapy sess...
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Background : Immigrants are more likely than the majority population to have unmet needs for public mental health services. This study aims to understand potential ethnic differences in preferred help-seeking sources for depression in... more
Background : Immigrants are more likely than the majority population to have unmet needs for public mental health services. This study aims to understand potential ethnic differences in preferred help-seeking sources for depression in Norway, and how such preferences relate to acculturation orientation. Methods: A survey was administered to immigrants from Russia (n=164), Poland (n=127), Pakistan (n=128), and Somalia (n=114), and to Norwegian students (n=248). The survey consisted of a vignette describing a moderately depressed person. Respondents were asked to provide advice to the person by completing a modified version of the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. The immigrant sample also responded to questions about acculturation orientation using the Vancouver Acculturation Scale. Results: Significant differences were found in endorsement of traditional (e.g., religious leader), informal (e.g., family), and semiformal (e.g., internet forum) help-sources between immigrant groups, ...
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This study aims to understand factors predicting destination-loyalty intention in international education. A sample of 378 long-term (n=195) and short-term (n=183) international students participated in the study carried out in 2014... more
This study aims to understand factors predicting destination-loyalty intention in international education. A sample of 378 long-term (n=195) and short-term (n=183) international students participated in the study carried out in 2014 through an on-line survey at the University of Bergen, Norway. Using a series of hierarchical regression analyses, the researchers found that among short-term students, destination motivation (pull), orientation to mainstream and heritage culture together with psychological adaptations were the most important variables influencing their decision to revisit and to recommend the destination to others. Among long-term students, the same variables with the exception of psychological adaptation in addition to sociocultural adaptation were the significant predictors of destination-loyalty intention. This study discusses the results from a social, psychological and international education perspective as well as their implications for destination management.
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Siden 1930-årene har muligheten for å fabrikkere et ønsket testresultat vaert framhevet som en av de viktigste svak-hetene ved bruk av personlighetstester. For å avdekke respondenter med en uttalt tendens til å svare på en sosialt... more
Siden 1930-årene har muligheten for å fabrikkere et ønsket testresultat vaert framhevet som en av de viktigste svak-hetene ved bruk av personlighetstester. For å avdekke respondenter med en uttalt tendens til å svare på en sosialt fordelaktig måte, har det vaert utviklet flere skalaer. Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MC) er en av de mest anvendte skalaene (Beretvas, Mey-ers & Leite, 2002). Sosial ønskverdig-het innebaerer en tendens til å svare i henhold til hva respondenten mener er sosialt akseptabel atferd, og til ikke å rapportere ufordelaktig informasjon om seg selv. Paulhus (1991) hevder at sosial ønskverdighet reflekterer både inntrykksmanipulering og selvbedrag, og at MC primaert måler inntrykksmani-pulering, som innebaerer å fremstille seg selv i et godt lys med en hensikt. Inntrykksmanipulering kan sammenlik-nes med «løgn», og noen bruker dette begrepet om samme fenomen (se f.eks. Ones, Viswesvaran & Reiss, 1996). Utvikling Crowne og Marlowe (1960) ønsket å beto-...
Six EMSInauts were isolated in the hyperbaric chambers at NUTEC for a period of 28 days at 5-msw overpressure. Based on previous studies of analogous conditions, the hypothesis was advanced that group and communication problems could... more
Six EMSInauts were isolated in the hyperbaric chambers at NUTEC for a period of 28 days at 5-msw overpressure. Based on previous studies of analogous conditions, the hypothesis was advanced that group and communication problems could possibly occur during the isolation period, and that this could be partly related to personality aspects. The scientific methods for the present study consisted of the following: (1) the team members were systematically observed through wide-angle cameras, and the activities in the working chamber were taped during the entire isolation period; (2) daily questionnaires regarding group functioning and communication were administered; and (3) post-isolation assessment interviews were given. Results were obtained by analysis of: (1) video tapes from the daily meetings; (2) questionnaires on group behavior and communication; (3) post-isolation interviews; and (4) personality inventories (DMT, Helmreich Test, MMPI). The following observations were made: 1. All team members were able to complete the 4-week isolation period while remaining functioning. 2. The commander became ever more central during the isolation period. Communications went more directly through him and less between the EMSInauts. At the same time he became evaluated less positively by the other EMSInauts. 3. There was a steady increase in emotional responses among all EMSInauts during the isolation period. In particular, there was an increase in negative emotional content. 4. Week 3 was evaluated by the EMSInauts as being the most positive period. They scored themselves then as being very task oriented. 5. The EMSInauts gave a low score to problems with the mission control room personnel, indicating few problems. There were indications of temporary increases during week 2 and at the end of the isolation period. In summary, it can be stated that all team members completed the 4-week isolation in good condition. The commander developed increasing control during the isolation period, which resulted in increasingly negative responses towards him from the other team members. During the isolation period there was an increase in emotional content. In particular, during the last week there was an increase of frustrations. There were few communication problems with mission control, though the scores were elevated in week 2 and on the final two days.
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ABSTRACT This chapter deals with the results from the second simulation study, EXEMSI, during which a crew of three males and one female were isolated for 60 days. The objectives were to study how isolation affected the effectiveness and... more
ABSTRACT This chapter deals with the results from the second simulation study, EXEMSI, during which a crew of three males and one female were isolated for 60 days. The objectives were to study how isolation affected the effectiveness and mood of the crew, the interaction of the crew members with each other, and with the outside world. To compare the results with those of the ISEMSI study, the same techniques and procedures were used as in ISEMSI. A new questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were included, because the small number of subjects made a broad methodological approach desirable. The purpose of simulation studies such as ISEMSI and EXEMSI is to study such human factor problems and to develop suitable countermeasures in preparation for long duration missions.
Research Interests: Engineering and Crew
Employing an experimental design, we investigated how Norwegian managers’ ( N = 78) evaluations and intended hiring decisions varied with job applicants’ ethnic background (immigrant vs. native Norwegian mainstreamer) and the degree to... more
Employing an experimental design, we investigated how Norwegian managers’ ( N = 78) evaluations and intended hiring decisions varied with job applicants’ ethnic background (immigrant vs. native Norwegian mainstreamer) and the degree to which the candidates’ self-presentation fitted Norwegian cultural norms (level of cultural fit). The participants viewed video clips of applicants whose ethnicity and self-presentation was manipulated. Irrespective of ethnic background, low cultural fit candidates were evaluated as less similar, less likable, less likely to perform well, and as more poorly fitting the managers’ organization. However, low and high cultural fit candidates were evaluated as exhibiting similar levels of person–job fit. Logistic regression analyses showed that low cultural fit candidates were about six times less likely to be hired than high cultural fit candidates. In practice, immigrant applicants are more likely to exhibit low cultural fit. It is concluded that emphasis...
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On a mission to Mars the crew will experience high autonomy and interdependence. “Groupthink,” known as a tendency to strive for consensus at the cost of considering alternative courses of action, represents a potential safety hazard.... more
On a mission to Mars the crew will experience high autonomy and interdependence. “Groupthink,” known as a tendency to strive for consensus at the cost of considering alternative courses of action, represents a potential safety hazard. This chapter addresses two aspects of “groupthink”: the extent to which confined crew members perceive increasing convergence in personal values, and whether they attribute less tension to individual differences over time. It further examines the impact of personal values for interpersonal compatibility. These questions were investigated in a 105-day confinement study in which a multinational crew (N 1/4 6) simulated a Mars mission. The Portrait of Crew Values Questionnaire was administered regularly to assess personal values, perceived value homogeneity, and tension attributed to value disparities. Interviews were conducted before and after the confinement. Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant changes in value homogeneity over time; rather the opposite tendency was indicated. More tension was attributed to differences in hedonism, benevolence and tradition in the last 35 days when the crew was allowed greater autonomy. Three subgroups, distinct in terms of personal values, were identified. No evidence for “groupthink” was found. The results suggest that personal values should be considered in composition of crews for long-duration missions
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ABSTRACT Long-duration space missions present psychological challenges in terms of maintenance of motivation and team cohesion This study aimed to examine alterations in personal values, defined as broad motivational goals, among crew... more
ABSTRACT Long-duration space missions present psychological challenges in terms of maintenance of motivation and team cohesion This study aimed to examine alterations in personal values, defined as broad motivational goals, among crew members (n=6) participating in a 520 days simulated mission to Mars, and further to explore the implications of value diversity for the compatibility between crew members. The Portrait of Crew Values Questionnaire was administered monthly to assess changes in personal values and tension attributed to value disparities. Individual interviews were performed post-mission. All subjects completed the mission. Emphasis on tradition, benevolence, and stimulation decreased whereas emphasis on self-direction increased over the confinement period. More intra-crew tension was attributed to differences in benevolence over time. In aggregate, these changes suggest that the crew became less cohesive over time. Crew members attempted to counteract negative effects of monotony by social events and work involvement. However, several subjects reported heightened perceptual sensitivity, low mood, and lack of energy in the last quarter.
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This paper presents personality testing data from final stage applicants to the NASA astronaut program. Questions addressed include whether personality predicted final selection into the astronaut corps, whether women and men demonstrated... more
This paper presents personality testing data from final stage applicants to the NASA astronaut program. Questions addressed include whether personality predicted final selection into the astronaut corps, whether women and men demonstrated typical gender differences in personality, and whether three characteristic clusters found in other high performance populations replicated in this group. Between 1989 and 1995, 259 final stage astronauts completed the Personal Characteristic Inventory (PCI) which assesses personality characteristics related to the broad traits of Instrumentality and Expressivity. In addition, 147 of these individuals also completed an abbreviated version of the NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) which assesses the "Big Five" traits of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, And Conscientiousness. Three previously identified trait clusters (Right, Wrong, and No Stuff) were found to replicate in this population. No differences were found on th...
Research Interests: Psychology, Personality, Conscientiousness, Medicine, Population, and 15 moreHumans, Personality Assessment Inventory, Neuroticism, Personnel Selection, Female, Male, Big Five Personality Traits, Trait, Medical Physiology, ASTRONAUTS, Agreeableness, Openness to experience, Public health systems and services research, Sex Factors, and Personality Tests
Psychological data from environments that are considered as analog to space was collected from 68 subjects; 18 in hyperbaric chambers, 16 in polar expeditions, and 34 on Arctic stations. The objective was to identify psychological... more
Psychological data from environments that are considered as analog to space was collected from 68 subjects; 18 in hyperbaric chambers, 16 in polar expeditions, and 34 on Arctic stations. The objective was to identify psychological reactions expected in different phases of spaceflights and examine personality variables associated with superior adaptation. Helmreich Personality Characteristic Inventory was administered before the isolation. Adaptation to the environment was assessed through a questionnaire once a week. Crews in hyperbaric chambers indicated a steady increase in coping over the isolation. Polar expeditions members reported high aggressiveness and anxiety in the first quarter and an increase in homesickness over time. A personality characterized by strong expressiveness and instrumentality ("the right stuff") predicted superior adaptation in hyperbaric chambers. The data suggest that isolation in hyperbaric chambers and polar expeditions should be considered a...
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The present article derives from two isolation studies performed for the European Space Agency (ESA) as simulations of space travels, lasting for 4 and 9 weeks. The aim was to study how interpersonal relations were affected by time, and... more
The present article derives from two isolation studies performed for the European Space Agency (ESA) as simulations of space travels, lasting for 4 and 9 weeks. The aim was to study how interpersonal relations were affected by time, and how individual characteristics related to conflicts and tension among crewmembers. A broad battery of methods was used, including video-recording, peer-ratings and self-reports. In both studies, group-functioning declined in the middle of the isolation and towards the end of the stay. Dominance and task motivation seemed to be important characteristics for compatibility between crewmembers, and negative relations established early in the isolation remained stable over time. These findings have implications for composition, training, and support of crews for extended spaceflights.