Temporal Patterns of Affect in an Isolated Group

Anecdotal evidence has suggested that personnel in isolated, polar work settings experience a sharp decline in motivation and morale shortly after the half-way point of their mission. This "third-quarter phenomenon" was investigated as part of the Polar Psychology Project. Five subjects (four men, one woman; age range 28 to 41 years) were isolated in a decommissioned high Arctic weather station, at Isachsen, Northwest Territories (78°N, 103°W), for a period of 7 weeks. As part of the psychological measurements, the subjects were required to keep a diary and to fill out, once daily, a modified version of the Russell Mood Scale. Group mean arousal reached a low point in the sixth week, whereas group pleasure reached a minimum in the third week. Individual arousal and pleasure showed no consistent pattern. These results are discussed in light of significant events recorded in the subjects' diaries; overall variability of mood as a function of polar experience is also discussed.