title: Psychometric Personality Differences Between Candidates in Astronaut Selection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This paper investigates personality traits as potential factors for success in an astronaut selection by comparing personality profiles of unsuccessful and successful astronaut candidates in different phases of the ESA selection procedure. It is further addressed whether personality traits could predict an overall assessment rating at the end of the selection.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2008/2009, ESA performed an astronaut selection with 902 candidates who were either psychologically recommended for mission training (N = 46) or failed in basic aptitude (N = 710) or Assessment Center and interview testing (N = 146). Candidates completed the Temperament Structure Scales (TSS) and the NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO-PI-R).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Those candidates who failed in basic aptitude testing showed higher levels of Neuroticism (M = 49.8) than the candidates who passed that phase (M = 45.4 and M = 41.6). Additionally, candidates who failed in basic testing had lower levels of Agreeableness (M = 132.9) than recommended candidates (M = 138.1). TSS scales for Achievement (r = 0.19) and Vitality (r = 0.18) showed a significant correlation with the overall assessment rating given by a panel board after a final interview.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate that a personality profile similar to Helmreich's "Right Stuff" is beneficial in astronaut selection. Influences of test anxiety on performance are discussed. Mittelstädt JM, Pecena Y, Oubaid V, Maschke P. Psychometric personality differences between candidates in astronaut selection. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(11):933-939.
authors: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Hamburg, Germany.
authors: Justin M
authors: JM
authors: Mittelstädt
authors: Yvonne
authors: Y
authors: Pecena
authors: Viktor
authors: V
authors: Oubaid
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Maschke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D001008:Anxiety Disorders; D001076:Aptitude; D001077:Aptitude Tests; D018480:Astronauts / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000075384:Neuroticism; D060805:Performance Anxiety; D010551:Personality; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011594:Psychometrics; D055815:Young Adult