Subject's perceptions of the crew interaction dynamics under prolonged isolation.
BACKGROUND
The interactions of individuals participating in space simulation studies can give us valuable information about ways that space crew members relate with one another. A promising method of investigating such interactions is based on the Kelly repertory grid technique.


OBJECTIVE
We predicted that in a space simulation crew: 1) one's personal self-concept would become closer to concepts about other crew members in a cohesive crew, and vice-versa, and 2) the similarity of one's ego images in the past, present and future influences that person's position in the group.


METHODS
Crews from two isolation studies lasting 135 and 90 days at the Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow were evaluated using a modification of the Kelly repertory grid technique. Members assessed each other on a monthly basis and during off-nominal simulated docking periods.


RESULTS
During both isolations, crew members were unsuccessful in making their personal self-concepts move closer to their concepts about fellow crew members. Crew disintegration resulted, with one member becoming an outsider whose personality was characterized by a disintegrated ego-image and an infantile type of the present ego.


CONCLUSIONS
In small isolated groups, failure to make personal self-concepts become more like concepts about other crew members can lead to group disintegration and tension and can result in the appearance of an outsider who has a disintegrated ego-image and an infantile present ego.
Gushin
V I
VI
State Scientific Center, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow.
Efimov
V A
VA
Smirnova
T M
TM
Vinokhodova
A G
AG
Kanas
N
N
D000328:Adult; D004532:Ego; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012934:Social Isolation; D013026:Space Flight