Prediction of performance on the International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic (IBEA)

Abstract

Biographical variables, clinical ratings and psychological tests were used to predict performance of the eleven subjects involved in the International Biomedical Expedition to the Antarctic. The results showed that of the biographical predictors, past polar experience and age were best for predicting low stress and high arousal. Of the clinical predictions those made by a psychologist who had access to both interviews and psychometric material, and had been to the Antarctic, were more accurate than those of two other psychologists who had access to only the psychometric material and had not been there. Of the psychological tests, the initial stress scores were found to be good predictors of later stress and arousal, the initial arousal scores to be good predictors of later stress and self adaptation ratings, and the preferred interpersonal distance scores to be good predictors of independent observer ratings and peer ratings of adaptability.Introduction .

Perceptions of Danger, Risk Taking, and Outcomes in a Remote Community

“…Crocq, Rivolier, and Cazes (1973) also found that intelligence affected adjustment but that age was not relevant. The International Biomedical Expedition to Antarctica (IBEA) study showed that prior polar experience, and not age, affected performance outcomes, although both affected stress and arousal levels (higher for the older participants) (Rivolier, Goldsmith, Lugg, & Taylor, 1988;Taylor & McCormick, 1985). Matusov (1979Matusov ( /1981 found that prior experience, rather than age, was related to motivation.…”

“…Put more positively, those who tolerate monotony and are more self-reliant do better in Antarctica (Palinkas, 1992). Others found that having hobbies and interests interacted differentially with occupation in determining adaptability (Taylor & McCormick, 1985). Overall, ability, stability, and relative compatibility are the main individual attributes related to a successful adjustment as an expeditioner (Gunderson, 1973;Taylor, 1978).…”