Archived by Raymond J. Noonan, Ph.D., Health and Physical Education Department, Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York (FIT-SUNY), and SexQuest/The Sex Institute, NYC, for the benefit of students and other researchers interested in the human aspects of the space life sciences. Return to first page for background information on these pages.
[ADDENDUM:] ASTRONAUT PSYCHOLOGY
Every two years or so, about a dozen astronauts are selected from two to three thousand applicants using a variety of background, physiological and psychological criteria. In part because of the psychological selection criteria, in part because of the teamwork and drive shown by all astronauts, and partly due to luck, severe neurotic, depressive or psychotic reactions have not been reported in space.Psychological issues are important when groups are isolated and confined for long periods, in space, undersea, and on the Earth. Individuals in these isolated, confined groups frequently show signs of a series of psychological symptoms -- heightened anxiety, boredom, depression, and excessive anticipation -- which may interfere with their responsibilities. The diaries of Cosmonauts on Salyut space stations have indicated some of these problems. Astronauts have described or exhibited similar problems.
One Cosmonaut had a transcendent experience which led him to make a dangerous, unauthorized spacewalk. One Skylab Astronaut erroneously changed the Skylab attitude control system while suffering from psychological problems.
Space travellers have reported loneliness, excessive fear of danger, and homesickness. During long missions, they have shown signs of increased territorality, withdrawal, and need for privacy. There have also been tensions between crewmembers and ground control.
Astronauts monitor each other and have demonstrated the ability to work through interpersonal problems, sometimes in crisis-oriented "bull sessions." Astronauts always have the opportunity to speak with a Flight Surgeon on Earth via private medical conference, and they also can have private conferences with their families.
Question
- What are some of the psychological problems astronauts might encounter during long space missions?
You can go back to where you came from, or jump back to the beginning.The next section contains the frequently asked questions about humans in space.
Last modified: Dec 9, 1994Author: Ken Jenks
Raymond J. Noonan, Ph.D. Health and Physical Education Department Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York (FIT-SUNY); SexQuest/The Sex Institute, NYC P.O. Box 20166, New York, NY 10014 (212) 217-7460 |
Author of: R. J. Noonan. (1998). A Philosophical Inquiry into the Role of Sexology in Space Life Sciences Research and Human Factors Considerations for Extended Spaceflight. Dr. Ray Noonan’s Dissertation Information Pages: [Abstract] [Table of Contents] [Preface] [AsMA 2000 Presentation Abstract] |
First published on the Web on June 14, 1998