Individual and Group Process Characteristics of Polar Expedition Teams

In: Environment and behavior: eb ; publ. in coop. with the Environmental Design Research Association, Band 23, Heft 6, S. 723-748

Abstract

Empirical investigations of polar expedition teams have assessed psychological characteristics related to adaptive personal and group functioning in a physically challenging, adventurous, and time-limited situation. Group members across studies have demonstrated generally positive personality characteristics, scoring relatively high on achievement motivation and well-being, and relatively low on stress reactivity, anxiety, and depression. Emotional sharing occurred infrequently, and seeking social support was related to relatively poorer psychological functioning in these highly task-focused groups. The psychological problems noted in some "wintering-over" Antarctic personnel were not evident in expedition group members.