Psychological reactions during polar expeditions and isolation in hyperbaric chambers.

BACKGROUND Psychological data from environments that are considered as analog to space was collected from 68 subjects; 18 in hyperbaric chambers, 16 in polar expeditions, and 34 on Arctic stations. The objective was to identify psychological reactions expected in different phases of spaceflights and examine personality variables associated with superior adaptation. METHOD Helmreich Personality Characteristic Inventory was administered before the isolation. Adaptation to the environment was assessed through a questionnaire once a week. RESULTS Crews in hyperbaric chambers indicated a steady increase in coping over the isolation. Polar expeditions members reported high aggressiveness and anxiety in the first quarter and an increase in homesickness over time. A personality characterized by strong expressiveness and instrumentality ("the right stuff") predicted superior adaptation in hyperbaric chambers. CONCLUSION The data suggest that isolation in hyperbaric chambers and polar expeditions should be considered as models for different aspects of the space environment.