Changes in the Ukrainian expeditioners’ psychological states during long Antarctic stay

Abstract

Introduction. Extreme conditions of Antarctica and socio-spatial isolation of a small group of expeditioners’ significantly affect their physiological and psychological state. Aim. To empirically investigate the changes in the expeditioners’ psychological state indicators during a year-long Antarctic expedition. Methods. For statistical analysis were used Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation); One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test; and Paired Sample T-Test. Results. The self-assessed indicators of expeditioners’ psychological states rise significantly during the first four months of the year-long expedition. Then their average self-esteem begins to decline gradually, reaching the lowest values in the last two months of stay at the Antarctic station. Conclusions. This study confirms that the long stay and work within an isolated group of people is a factor that affects the expeditioners’ psychological health at the first place.

Changes in expeditioners' personality measures during 1 year Antarctic expeditions

“…Thirdly, and most importantly, no author to date has discussed the possibility of salutogenic effects in all or even most of the expeditioners. For example, Kokun & Bakhmutova (2020, p. 11, emphasis added) noted that only ’ some expeditioners maintained a good level of psychological adaptation throughout all term of the expedition, becoming emotional and professional leaders of the station personnel'. Of course, the sample in this study included some expeditioners whose personality measures showed positive dynamics.…”

“…Many researchers (e.g. Gunderson 1974, Palinkas & Suedfeld 2008, Leon et al 2011, Mehta & Chugh 2011, Zimmer et al 2013, Blight & Norris 2018, Suedfeld 2018, Kokun & Bakhmutova 2020) have discussed some of the negative effects on the psychological states or interpersonal relationships of expedition personnel during long periods at Antarctic bases, as well as possible positive, salutogenic effects such as successful adaptation, personal growth, spiritual and existential changes, high levels of enthusiasm, a need for achievement and optimistic future orientations.…”

Salutogenic outcomes and their personality predictors in participants of year-long Antarctic expeditions

“…However, in addition to these negative psychological manifestations in expeditioners due to long stay at Antarctic stations, many researchers discussed possible positive psychological effects. In particular, Leon et al (2011), Mehta andChugh (2011), Zimmer et al (2013), Blight and Norris (2018), Suedfeld (2018), and Kokun and Bakhmutova (2020) pointed on possible salutogenic changes.…”

Polish Polar Research

“…However, as several researchers emphasize (Norris et al 2010;Mehta and Chugh 2011;Zimmer et al 2013;Blight and Norris 2018), some negative effects appears at psychological status or interpersonal relationships of people working for a long periods at Antarctic stations, but, at the same time, positive, salutogenic results exist also, thanks to successful adaptation to environmental adversities, accompanied by personal growth, feeling of spiritual and existential changes, high enthusiasm, optimistic future orientation and determination, need for achievement. Many expeditioners had good psychological adaptation during all expedition and became emotional and professional leaders for the station personnel (Kokun and Bakhmutova 2020).…”