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Subject's perceptions of the crew interaction dynamics under prolonged isolation
V I Gushin1, V A Efimov, T M Smirnova
1State Scientific Center, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Crew cohesion in space simulations is vital. When personal self-concepts fail to align with others, it can lead to group disintegration and tension, resulting in an outsider with a disintegrated ego-image.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Space Exploration
- Human Factors
Background:
- Investigating interpersonal dynamics in space simulation studies offers insights into crew cohesion.
- The Kelly repertory grid technique is a valuable tool for examining these interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if personal self-concept aligns with concepts of other crew members in cohesive space simulation crews.
- To determine if ego-image similarity influences an individual's group position.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Kelly repertory grid technique in two isolation studies (135 and 90 days).
- Crew members assessed each other monthly and during simulated docking scenarios.
Main Results:
- Personal self-concepts did not converge with concepts of fellow crew members during isolations.
- Crew disintegration occurred, with one member exhibiting a disintegrated ego-image and infantile present ego.
Conclusions:
- Failure to align self-concepts with group members in isolated settings can cause disintegration and tension.
- This can lead to the emergence of an 'outsider' with psychological difficulties, including a disintegrated ego-image.
Keywords:
Non-programmatic