PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTIONS DURING POLAR EXPEDITIONS AND ISOLATION IN HYPERBARIC CHAMBERS

Background: Psychological data from environments that are considered a s analog to space was collected from 68 subjects; 18 in hyperbaric cha mbers, 16 in polar expeditions, and 34 on Arctic stations. The objecti ve was to identify psychological reactions expected in different phase s of spaceflights and examine personality variables associated with su perior adaptation. Method: Helmreich Personality Characteristic invent ory was administered before the isolation. Adaptation to the environme nt was assessed through a questionnaire once a week. Results: Crews in hyperbaric chambers indicated a steady increase in coping over the is olation. Polar expeditions members reported high aggressiveness and an xiety in the first quarter and an increase in homesickness over time. A personality characterized by strong expressiveness and instrumentali ty (''the right stuff'') predicted superior adaptation in hyperbaric c hambers. Conclusion: The data suggest that isolation in hyperbaric cha mbers and polar expeditions should be considered as models for differe nt aspects of the space environment.