title: Men and women in space.
abstract: The influence of gender on the social context in which work performance takes place is considered. Women in single and mixed-gender polar expedition groups reported concern for the welfare of a teammate as a significant stressor. All-male teams exhibited higher levels of competitiveness and a lesser tendency to talk about their feelings. Excerpts from expedition debriefing interviews illustrate gender-related patterns noted in extreme environments. Application of these findings for the better selection, training, and performance of mixed-gender space crews is examined. A case study approach to conducting research on crew performance is recommended, and strategies for dealing with confidentiality are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. leonx003@umn.edu
authors.forename: Gloria R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Leon
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D018480:Astronauts / Q000523:psychology*; D035841:Behavioral Research; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms; D005101:Expeditions / Q000523:psychology; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D012737:Sex Factors; D012934:Social Isolation; D013026:Space Flight; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013997:Time Factors