Psychological adaptation to the polar environment.
Until the 1950's, psychological adaptation to the polar regions was expressed by survivors more in terms of their endurance and heroism after the event than by any studied preparation beforehand, a careful monitoring of performance in situ, the follow-up of subjects afterwards, and a scholarly comparison of data-based research finding. This paper covers some of the omissions, and presents the results of a few studies that should be of value to the variety of people who for quite different periods and purposes visit polar regions. Because of the author's own background in Antarctic research it draws upon material collected in Antarctica, but it also includes empirical studies made by behavioural scientists in the Arctic. Its aim is to encourage potential venturers to the polar areas to prepare themselves mentally as well as physically and logistically for the task ahead of them, whether it be for the long winter night at base or for the long summer day in the field. It concludes with a plea for all the venturers to accept an obligation to provide research data on themselves. The outcome, if done systematically, could be of value both for future participants and for behavioural scientists, because in the past human factors in exploration have been given little attention.
Taylor
A J
AJ
Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000864:Antarctic Regions; D001519:Behavior; D003081:Cold Climate; D004777:Environment; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans