The Harsh Isolation of Space Can't Be Matched on Earth. But One Place Comes Close

Humans and space are not always compatible. The health risks associated with space are related to factors like microgravity and cosmic radiation.

Exposure to the environment of space is also a concern for our bodies. How about our thoughts?

The psychological effects of extreme isolation and confinement are still unknown.

If we're ever going to travel through space and colonize other worlds, we need to understand what happens to people who are stuck in places that are very unforgiving.

There is a field of research in which scientists probe the psychological impacts of living in conditions similar to long jaunts in space.

One place on Earth stands out the most.

The team of researchers led by psychologist Candice Alfano from the University of Houston said that theAntarctica is considered an ideal analog for space because of its extreme environment.

In addition to small crews and limited communication during the winter months, the environment offers little sensory stimulation. It is not easy to evacuate.

During the nine-month study period, Alfano and her team monitored the psychological health and development of personnel living and working at two remoteAntarctica research stations.

The psychologists devised a monthly self-reporting tool called the Mental Health Checklist, designed to measure emotional states and mental health, including positive adaptation, poor self-regulation, and anxiety.

Physical symptoms of illness experienced by personnel were monitored and rated, and saliva samples were collected to assess cortisol levels as a sign of stress.

The results showed that the participants' positive adaptation decreased over the course of their posting.

Significant changes in psychological functioning were observed, but different patterns of change were observed for certain aspects of mental health.

Continuous declines from the start to the end of the mission, without evidence of a bounce-back effect, were the most marked alterations for positive emotions.

Negative emotional states triggered by the conditions of isolated, confined, and extreme environments have been the focus of previous research.

We may have been missing out on another problem. Diminishing positive feelings over long stays in difficult places appeared to be an almost universal response to the ICE conditions.

Positive emotions such as satisfaction, enthusiasm, and awe are necessary for thriving in high-pressure settings.

Reducing psychological risk in extreme settings can be achieved through interventions and countermeasures.

The results were reported in a journal.

The first version of this article was published in 2020.