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Psychological Hibernation in Antarctica
Gro Mjeldheim Sandal1, Fons J R van deVijver2,3, Nathan Smith4
1Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Frontiers in Psychology
|December 8, 2018
Summary
Antarctic researchers may enter a state of "psychological hibernation" during long, isolated winters. Coping strategies, mood, and sleep patterns declined mid-expedition, suggesting a stress-coping mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Environmental Health
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Human activity in Antarctica is increasing, particularly during winter.
- Over-wintering personnel face prolonged isolation, confinement, and extreme environmental conditions.
- These factors pose significant risks to health, well-being, and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand psychological resilience in Antarctic over-wintering personnel.
- To examine changes in coping strategies over time.
- To assess the relationship between coping, mood, and sleep during expeditions.
Main Methods:
- Two crews (N=27) at Concordia station participated.
- Participants completed the Utrecht Coping List, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and a sleep diary nine times.
- Data collection occurred over approximately 10 months.
Main Results:
- Several psychological variables, including coping strategies, reached minimums during the midwinter period (third quarter).
- Active problem-solving, palliative reactions, avoidance, and comforting cognitions showed noticeable declines.
- Mood and sleep alterations coincided with these changes in coping.
Conclusions:
- Antarctic over-wintering may induce a state of psychological hibernation.
- This hibernation may serve as a stress-coping mechanism against prolonged isolation and environmental extremes.
- Further research is needed to explore this phenomenon and its implications for crew well-being.
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