Suchergebnisse

The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the personal experiences and interpersonal factors that influence the performance of small military teams deployed in an extreme and isolated environment for an extended period of time. Twelve members of the Danish Sirius Patrol operating in Greenland in 6 two-person teams were evaluated over the course of a 7-week Fall and a 23-week Spring dogsledge journey by means of a bi-weekly rating form and debriefing interviews. Ratings of positive affect were significantly higher than negative affect over the course of the journeys ( p = .03); adaptive cognitive and behavioral coping strategies and generally compatible interpersonal relationships were recorded. The importance of appropriate communication for team effectiveness was emphasized, including expectations about their work together and personal goals. The findings also demonstrated the negative influence of unexpected interpersonal events in the home environment on team member relationships and work performance. Applications for long-duration space exploration are discussed.

This study assessed personal values and positive growth experiences, possible changes in these factors, and interpersonal functioning in a two-man expedition team that successfully reached the North Pole in 55 days without outside support. Personality measures were administered before expedition, weekly rating forms were completed on the ice, and semi-structured interviews and several repeat measures were carried out at the end of the expedition and at a 6-month follow-up. Both team members had high scores on the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) Social Closeness, Social Potency, and Positive Emotionality Scales, and on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) Extraversion Scale. The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) findings indicated that for both team members, Self-direction and Stimulation were strong personal values; Power, Tradition, and Conformity were low on the values hierarchy. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) assessments indicated different aspects of personal growth for each team member from postexpedition to the follow-up. Contrary to previous findings, this all-male team did not exhibit strong competitiveness with each other.