Group interactions during space missions.
BACKGROUND
Previous anecdotal reports from space and results from space simulation studies on Earth have suggested that the group interactions of crewmembers during space missions can be problematic in ways that can negatively affect crew safety and the accomplishment of mission goals.


METHODS
To assess the interpersonal environment of space crewmembers, we used a set of standard questionnaires that were completed by 5 astronauts, 8 cosmonauts, and 58 American and Russian mission control personnel who participated in the Shuttle/Mir Program.


RESULTS
Although we did not find strong evidence supporting predicted decrements in tension and cohesion during the second half of the missions, we did find that both crewmembers and mission control personnel displaced unpleasant emotions to monitoring personnel outside of their group. We also found significant differences between Americans and Russians in terms of measures of satisfaction with their interpersonal and work environments.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest a number of countermeasures to help future space crews deal with potential maladaptive group interactions. These countermeasures address issues at the time of selection, during prelaunch training, during the mission itself, and after the crew returns to Earth.
Kanas
Nick
N
University of California/San Francisco, CA, USA. nick21@itsa.ucsf.edu
D018480:Astronauts; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D012426:Russia; D013026:Space Flight; D014481:United States