Ethological analysis of crew member behavior: distances, orientations, and postures

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial behavior towards each other of a group of three males and one female isolated and confined for a period of 60 days. Video recordings of the individual crew members in the habitat, laboratory, and transfer modules for a 4-hr period once weekly during the isolation period provided the material for analysis. The observed parameters were: inter-individual distance, orientation (number of other subjects laced), and posture. Three distinct periods are noted. The initial period was characterized by a rather constant spatial behavior of the crew with few changes in inter-individual distances. The middle period of isolation (particularly weeks 5 and 6) showed a tendency towards closer grouping with decreased inter-individual distances (personal and social space). The final period (weeks 7-9) was marked by a dispersion of the crew members with increased inter-individual distances (public space) and more frequent isolated positions. Individual differences in behavioral strategy were noted. The Commander (subject B) kept the largest number of other crew members in his visual field. The orientation of the other subjects showed more variation. Dominant posture were: seated, standing, lying. Here also there were individual differences, for example, the female subject H frequently assumed a very grouped posture. During the second half of the isolation period stretched body positions became more frequent, suggesting reduced tension and stress. The observed spatial behavior indicates a weak cohesion of the crew with little tendency towards formation of a true social group in the course of isolation. The crew remained a group of individuals constituted for the purpose of the experiment. From her closer positions to the other subjects, it appears that the female crew member had a positive effect on group cohesiveness through an active social role. However, it seems that a longer period of confinement would be needed to turn the four crew members into a cohesive crew. The findings from these simulation studies and in earlier spaceflight observations suggest a possible use of ethological observation during space missions for the purpose of optimizing performance, physical and psychological fitness of the individual astronauts and group dynamics of the entire crew. It might be possible to establish a set of individual standards allowing detection of slight behavioral disturbances in an astronaut during the mission.