Autonomous Psychological Support for Isolation and Confinement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Isolated and confined environments (ICEs), such as spaceflight, are challenging psychologically. We have been evaluating self-directed tools to sustain and improve psychological well-being in these settings. The Expedition Application for Peak Psychological Performance (Expedition-APPP) is an interactive media-based set of self-directed tools that address conflict resolution, stress management, and depression treatment. Virtual reality (VR) of nature scenes is a tool to improve attention and relieve stress by providing users with an immersive nature experience. We evaluated both Expedition-APPP and VR in an ICE.METHODS: The Expedition-APP was evaluated during three, and nature VR during two, deployments at the HI-SEAS habitat, where crews of six were isolated for 812 mo. Participants used both the Expedition-APPP and VR and shared their feedback and experiences after the deployments in semistructured interviews. These interviews were evaluated using qualitative analysis techniques to gather generalizable insights into implementing autonomous mental health programs for people living and working in ICEs.RESULTS: Expedition-APPP modules provided a shared culture, language, and tools for working through challenges. VR allowed for access to emotions and experiences that were unavailable in the habitat. Suggestions for improvement included making refresher training easily available and providing a wider range of content to address different individuals coping styles.DISCUSSION: Both the Expedition-APPP and VR were appreciated and used, although a wider range of content and experiences was desired by participants.Lyons KD, Slaughenhaupt RM, Mupparaju SH, Lim JS, Anderson AA, Stankovic AS, Cowan DR, Fellows AM, Binsted KA, Buckey JC. Autonomous psychological support for isolation and confinement. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(11):876885.

Virtual Reality in Health Care: Bibliometric Analysis

“…This 7-item cluster focuses on new treatment possibilities, particularly for depression and stress disorders. Topics range from posttraumatic experience and chronic disorder treatments to preventive strategies [60][61][62], increasing the need for more training about the increased options for effective handling.…”

To infinity and beyond: Strategies for fabricating medicines in outer space

“… Spaceflight hazard Clinical conditions Management strategies Possible medications References Space radiation Degenerative diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases and cataracts) Radiation shielding, radiation & health monitoring Antioxidants ⁎ ( Fang et al, 2002 ; Gómez et al, 2021 ) Cancer Radiation shielding, radiation & health monitoring Antioxidants ⁎ ( Gómez et al, 2021 ; Montesinos et al, 2021 ) Changes in the central nervous system Radiation shielding, radiation & health monitoring Antioxidants ⁎ ( Cucinotta et al, 2014 ; Gómez et al, 2021 ) Isolation and confinement Behavioural changes Gardening and journaling Antipsychotics (aripiprazole and ziprasidone), anxiolytics (diazepam and lorazepam) ( Friedman and Bui, 2017 ; Odeh and Guy, 2017 ) Sleep problems Light technologies, actigraphy Hypnotic drugs (zolpidem, zaleplon), melatonin ( Friedman and Bui, 2017 ; Zivi et al, 2020 ) Fatigue 10-min self-test of vigilance and attention ( Basner et al, 2011 ) Decline in mood Journaling, virtual reality sessions Antidepressants (sertraline and venlafaxine) ( Friedman and Bui, 2017 ; Lyons et al, 2020 ) Gravity fields Muscle atrophy Aerobic and resistive exercise, software-generated workout partners ( Feltz et al, 2016 ; Gao and Chilibeck, 2020 ) Bone loss Aerobic and resistive exercise, software-generated workout partners Bisphosphonate alendronate, supplements of calcium, vitamin D an...…”

Offworld Mental Health: Considerations For The Design Of Well-Being Supportive Technologies For Deep Space Exploration

“…For instance, the Dartmouth PATH program has produced interactive media that provides training on reducing stress, enhancing mood, and resolving conflict 12,31 . Self-directed resources, such as the Expedition Application for Peak Psychological Performance (Expedition-APPP 31 ) or Virtual Space Station (VSS 32 ), may be part of a repertoire of tools made available during long voyages 33 .…”

“…Fulfilment of relatedness needs can result from connection with the team, mission control, family and friends, and/or the environment. Technologies could support crew relatedness by equipping astronauts with conflict management skills 31 and approaches for building empathy and compassion 39 . Digital systems that allow mission control, friends, and family to communicate more effectively with crewmembers, should build in ways to promote relatedness, perhaps through an exchange of experiences, attentive listening, and the creation of a sense of closeness 48 .…”