Introduction: This case study was designed as an analog for aspects of NASA's planned Artemis missions to the lunar surface. The specific aims were to examine emerged mission challenges and dyadic affective and process dynamics over the course of a three-month lunar habitat analog Arctic mission.Methods: Participants were two men who also had key roles in designing the habitat. Pre- and post- expedition interviews were conducted and daily satellite phone messages to mission control over the three-month mission were assessed. An integrated mixed methods approach was used to analyze challenges, group affect, and group processes, with the goal of furthering the understanding of coping and psychosocial work experiences in challenging conditions.Results: The findings indicated that different challenges took distinct temporal trajectories across mission phases; based on the relational themes, several challenges were identified, primarily physical challenges related to the experience of coping in an ICE environment, and psychosocial challenges associated with the preparation and execution of mission tasks. Physical challenges, positive tone, and action processes were the themes most connected to each other. To deal with these challenges, the team adapted by more frequently engaging in action and transition processes. The specific training for the mission the participants engaged in, and prior knowledge about each other enabled team members to deal with mission exigencies while maintaining a positive outlook.Discussion: Fostering strong positive relationships was an important mechanism to build resilience and effective performance while under ongoing, extreme conditions.

Introduction: This presentation describes an initiative to provide psychosocial support to children in Ukraine during the ongoing war using a children’s storybook, coloring book, and activity book. The resources promote emotion identification, self-expression, coping skills, and social support–variables with empirical support in promoting children’s mental health in response to trauma. Method: The book: “An Unusual Situation” is a bibliotherapy intervention for children struggling with difficult situations. By identifying with the characters, children learn about their own struggles, they learn that other children share similar concerns, and learn important coping skills. The book was translated into Ukrainian and Russian; supplementary materials including a coloring book, activity book and a guidebook were developed. Following a three-hour training, Ukrainian mental health professionals worked with children on the materials in their respective wartime settings. Results: Results of the following research questions will be presented: 1) How do mental health professionals working with children in Ukraine utilize the associated book resources measured by a survey and completed by the professionals engaged in the project. 2) What do children who use these resources report about their experiences coping with the ongoing war, measured by: a) Collecting children’s responses in the activity book. b) Surveying the mental health professionals about their observations of the children during the intervention process. 3) Does the intervention reduce children’s distress, interpersonal functioning, or problematic behaviors, measured by pre-post scores on the Youth Outcome Questionnaire 2.0. Conclusion: This pilot study will provide information to guide the implementation of a broad psychosocial support intervention for children living in the setting of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Conclusions to be presented include: 1) Tailoring the intervention to the current needs of Ukrainian children 2) Designing a wide-scale implementation plan tailored to Ukrainian mental health professionals’ recommendations 3) Addressing barriers to implementation.

ABSTRACT Psychological adaptation in isolated, confined, and extreme environments plays an important role in the achievement of performance and wellbeing. Whereas empirical research has been fruitful in determining the antecedents of psychological adaptation, opportunities remain to identify and apply new constructs through which psychological adaptation can grow. In the current study, we explored the possibility that one such construct is individual self-leadership. Participants were eight Antarctic scientists enrolled in the 2021–2022 summer campaign in the South Shetland Islands, under considerable COVID-19 restrictions during that period. Data were collected on three occasions and analysed through a mixed-method approach where qualitative and quantitative evidence were integrated. Overall, the results indicated that the self-imposed quarantine pre-deployment period in Punta Arenas had a heavy toll on expeditioners mental health, with the psychological adaptation and self-leadership of expeditioners being positively correlated across the campaign. The implications of our findings, as well possible future research directions, are discussed.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining psychologically adaptive relationships among team members operating in an isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environment for an extended period continues to be a challenge, with relevance for long-duration missions to the Moon and beyond.METHODS: Two male architects were studied who lived and worked over a 60-d period in a polar ICE environment in a lunar analog habitat they designed and helped construct. Psychological measures were completed at different points of the mission, including a post-mission debriefing interview.RESULTS: Team members were highly different from each other on a number of personality traits, personal values, and stress and coping factors. Marked differences were noted on NEO-PI-3 Agreeableness and Extraversion personality traits, and Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) Stimulation, Power, and Achievement values. Team Effectiveness Questionnaire (TEQ) findings showed consistency between team members with high ratings on the Passion and Commitment and Purpose and Goals scales, and low ratings on the Roles scale. The leveling influence of decision authority and its deleterious effect on interpersonal interactions and work performance was evident. The interior design with attention to materials that made it more Earth-like and the circadian lighting system were associated with ease of work performance and promotion of relaxation and privacy.DISCUSSION: The study findings demonstrated the impact of incompatibility in personality traits and values on team performance, challenges regarding decision authority in a long-term dyadic relationship, and highlighted the human factors components of the habitat that facilitated effective individual and team functioning.Kjærgaard A, Leon GR, Chterev K. Team effectiveness and person-environment adaptation in an analog lunar habitat. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(2):70-78.

BACKGROUND: While participation of women in the military has increased, research on performance of female teams engaged in arduous physical activity in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments remains sparse.METHODS: A team of six British military women completed the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Brief Form, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and Personal Values Questionnaire (PVQ) prior to embarking on an expedition that traversed the Antarctic continent. Questionnaires were completed weekly on the ice; repeat of the PVQ and individual semistructured debriefing interviews were carried out within 9 d post-expedition.RESULTS: Personality findings indicated a generally well-adjusted group with notable individual differences in personality and personal values. Positive affect and camaraderie among teammates was evident throughout, although pace vs. distance in the strategy of the daily trek was a continuing point of tension. Honesty in communication was viewed as key to team effectiveness. A significant post-expedition decline in the tradition value (Pre M = -0.55, SD = 0.99; Post M = -0.82, SD = 1.12) and an increase in the conformity value (Pre M = -0.26, SD = 0.46; Post M = 0.18, SD = 0.27) was found.DISCUSSION: Congruence in personal and team goals among group members engaged in highly challenging activities is crucial for optimal team performance. Presence of two highly dominant individuals has a negative effect on team dynamics. Application of study findings to space exploration is considered.Blackadder-Weinstein J, Leon GR, Norris RC, Venables NC, Smith M. Individual attributes, values, and goals of an all-military women Antarctic expedition. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(1):18-25.

Introduction: There are very few studies of all-women teams performing in highly challenging isolated, confined, and extreme environments. Objective: To evaluate individual stressors, coping methods, and team functioning over an extended highly challenging trek. Methods: Subjects in this study were six British military officers who successfully traversed the Antarctic continent on skis over a 61-day 1700 km trek. The measures administered and their timing were as follows: Pre-expedition - Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Brief Form (MPQ-BF); Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM); Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ); Expedition - weekly rating form (WRF) assessing stress, coping, and team decision making; Post-expedition - debriefing interview and PVQ. Results: The group had high scores on personality scales indicating traits of Achievement, Social Closeness, Absorption (imagination), and Boldness, although individual differences were evident. Subjects gave high ratings to PVQ Hedonism (pleasure), Stimulation, and Self-direction values; the Tradition value was rated low. Subjects reported primarily positive experiences on the ice, and used both cognitive and behavioral coping methods to deal with stress. A salient issue was resolving individual goals among team members vs. team goals in the pace and distance covered each day. Other themes related to the importance of honesty in communication for team success, dealing with friction between two dominant individuals, and proving oneself through the physical challenge. Discussion: The implications of these findings for a Mars mission include the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of both pre-flight training and the countermeasures developed for use during flight to deal with interpersonal and work performance stressors. The effective use of ground-based analogs such as expedition teams operating in challenging and extreme environments is discussed.

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BACKGROUND:The study of personality traits, personal values, and the emergence of conflicts within groups performing in an isolated, confined, and extreme environment (ICE) may provide insights helpful for the composition and support of space crews for long duration missions.METHODS:Studied pre/post and over the 2-yr period of the investigation were 10 Danish military personnel deployed to stations in Greenland on a 26-mo staggered rotation. Subjects completed the NEO PI-R, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and Portrait Values Questionnaire, and participated in structured interviews. During deployment, questionnaires were completed biweekly and a cognitive function test once a month.RESULTS:Personality findings indicated a generally well-adjusted group, above average in positive personality traits [Conscientiousness T-score = 59.4 (11.41); Agreeableness T-score = 54.4 (9.36)] and boldness. Personal values of benevolence and self-direction were highly rated. The decision when to "pick sides" and intervene during disagreements between group members was viewed as an important component of conflict resolution. There were no changes in positive/negative affect or cognitive function over the annual light/dark cycle.DISCUSSION:The personal values of group members appear highly compatible for living in a small group ICE environment for an extended period. Disagreements between group members impact the functioning of the entire group, particularly in regard to decisions whether to support one of the individuals or let the argument run its course. Extended training in strategies for conflict resolution are needed in planning for future long duration missions to avoid fault lines forming within the group.Corneliussen JG, Leon GR, Kjærgaard A, Fink BA, Venables NC. Individual traits, personal values, and conflict resolution in an isolated, confined, extreme environment. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(6):535-543.

Land-based extreme environments (e.g. polar expeditions, Antarctic research stations, confinement chambers) have often been used as analog settings for spaceflight. These settings share similarities with the conditions experienced during space missions, including confinement, isolation and limited possibilities for evacuation. To determine the utility of analog settings for understanding human spaceflight, researchers have examined the extent to which the individual characteristics (e.g., personality) of people operating in extreme environments can be generalized across contexts (Sandal, 2000) [1]. Building on previous work, and utilising new and preexisting data, the present study examined the extent to which personal value motives could be generalized across extreme environments. Four populations were assessed; mountaineers (N =59), military personnel (N = 25), Antarctic over-winterers (N = 21) and Mars simulation participants (N = 12). All participants completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ; Schwartz; 2) capturing information on 10 personal values. Rank scores suggest that all groups identified Self-direction, Stimulation, Universalism and Benevolence as important values and acknowledged Power and Tradition as being low priorities. Results from difference testing suggest the extreme environment groups were most comparable on Self-direction, Stimulation, Benevolence, Tradition and Security. There were significant between-group differences on five of the ten values. Overall, findings pinpointed specific values that may be important for functioning in challenging environments. However, the differences that emerged on certain values highlight the importance of considering the specific population when comparing results across extreme settings. We recommend that further research examine the impact of personal value motives on indicators of adjustment, group working, and performance. Information from such studies could then be used to aid selection and training processes for personnel operating in extreme settings, and in space.

Children undergoing operative intervention while induced under general anesthesia are at risk for experiencing a significant decrease in core body temperature that can lead to adverse systemic effects. Given that the head contributes an estimated 18% of a child’s body surface area, we theorized that a liquid-warming garment applied to the head could control a pediatric patient’s core body temperature during surgical procedures.

The focus of this case report is on the psychological reintegration process following the achievement of a highly challenging long-duration and solitary endeavor. The participant was a 29 year old male who successfully circumnavigated the globe during a 260 day solo sailing expedition. We assessed the psychological aftermath in terms of stability and change in personality characteristics and personal beliefs prior to, and at 180 and 360 days after the completion of the journey. Overall, the personality configuration reflected adaptive personality functioning. A belief in an internal locus of control was consistent throughout, as were perceptions of personal growth as a result of the circumnavigation experience. NEO PI-R Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, and Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (Tri-PM) Boldness scores remained stable. Positive personality change was reflected by an elevation in Conscientiousness; negative change by a decline in Agreeableness and an increase in Tri-PM Disinhibition. While overall the participant exhibited positive change as a result of his journey, there were also some negative aspects of the reintegration phase in regard to interactions with other persons. This latter change may be related to the effects of isolation from usual social contacts over an extended period.

The 2014 Behavioral Health and Performance (BHP) Standing Review Panel (from here on referred to as the SRP) met for a site visit in Houston, TX on December 17 18, 2014. The SRP reviewed the updated research plan for the Risk of Performance Errors Due to Fatigue Resulting from Sleep Loss, Circadian Desynchronization, Extended Wakefulness, and Work Overload (Sleep Risk) and also received a status update on the Risk of Adverse Behavioral Conditions and Psychiatric Disorders (BMed Risk) and the Risk of Performance Decrements Due to Inadequate Cooperation, Coordination, Communication, and Psychosocial Adaptation within a Team (Team Risk).

BACKGROUND:Assessment of the influence of personality and decision processes on the performance of two-person expedition teams has application for the composition of small teams for planetary exploration and potentially responding to off-nominal situations.CASE REPORT:We studied a two-man Special Forces team with a goal of reaching the North Pole in the shortest amount of time. Both subjects had high scores on measures of leadership/dominance, fearlessness, and achievement, and low scores on harm avoidance (high risk-taking). Differences were noted on scales measuring empathy, agreeableness, extraversion, emotional regulation, and callousness. Individual differences in the primacy of personal values of tradition vs. pleasure-seeking were evident.DISCUSSION:High dominance traits of both team members, incompatibility in other characteristics and values, and minimal pretraining had a significant impact on the decision to abort the trek because of severe frostbite suffered by one subject. Implications for dyads exploring the Mars surface are discussed.

This article is part of a larger body of work entitled, "The Impact of Sex and Gender on Adaptation to Space." It was developed in response to a recommendation from the 2011 National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey, "Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical Sciences for a New Era," which emphasized the need to fully understand sex and gender differences. In this article, our workgroup-consisting of expert scientists and clinicians from academia and the private sector-investigated and summarized the current body of published and unpublished human research performed to date related to sex- and gender-based differences in behavioral adaptations to human spaceflight. This review identifies sex-related differences in: (1) sleep, circadian rhythms, and neurobehavioral measures; (2) personality, group interactions, and work performance and satisfaction; and (3) stress and clinical disorders. Differences in these areas substantially impact the risks and optimal medical care required by space-faring women. To ensure the health and safety of male and female astronauts during long-duration space missions, it is imperative to understand the influences that sex and gender have on behavioral health changes occurring during spaceflight.

This case study assessed the psychological strengths and stability of attitudes and values of a 29-year-old male who successfully completed a 260-day solo sailboat circumnavigation of the globe. Personality findings indicated positive psychological functioning; high scores on traits of boldness, agreeableness, and openness; and mid-range on extraversion. An internal locus of control belief orientation was evident from the pre- to post-voyage evaluation periods. Personal values of hedonism, universalism, and stimulation were the highest rated values over the course of the voyage. Positive adaptation was reflected in perceptions of personal growth, endorsement of positive experiences, and flexibility in using a variety of coping strategies depending on the situation. The mid-range level of extraversion and high trait agreeableness may be adaptive characteristics, reflecting comfort in solitude while possessing the ability and interest in communicating with others as a means of stimulation and social support.

The history is described of the development of protective spacesuits through parallel efforts of the USA and USSR/Russia space programs. The application of physiological design principles to develop a shortened more energy-efficient liquid cooling/warming garment component of the spacesuit, finger calorimeter, and improved space glove is presented. The factors that must be taken into account to maintain thermal control in the design of protective spacesuits for exploration missions to Mars and other planets are examined, including differing metabolic expenditure rates as planetary explorers alternate between periods of high activity and rest. Methods of improving the cooling/warming garment are considered as part of this development process.