Has there ever been psychological or neuropsychological research performed to ascertain the effects of extreme cold and isolation presented by the Antarctic? Such as increased depression, suicide, anxiety, induced phobia behavior, aggresion, etc. I am not aware of this research on the Antarctic to be specific, but have you noticed any variations in your behavior while in the environment, even in camp, after prolonged exposure. This would be interesting to know from the perspective of how extreme environments, such as x-treme cold, zero-g/space, etc. influence human behavior. If this is a common problem how do you attempt to counteract the negative effects? Thank you for your time.
Adam J. Woods Answered by Jim McClintock on 2/12/2004 1:09:56 PMAdam,
Great question. Yes, I am aware that the National Science Foundation has taken advantage of the isolatory quality of life in Antarctica to study the effects on humans (NASA has also used it as a model to study space travel). Studies have not just been framed in terms of psychology, but also aspects of human physiology. I believe that the vast majority of these studies have been done at the very isolated south pole station (for obvious reasons), but that a number have also been conducted at McMurdo Station on the edge of the Ross Sea.
Personally, I find that when experiencing periods of several months of isolation in Antarctica, it is very important for me to maintain a regular daily schedule of work, exercise and sleep. This can be difficult for scientists such as myself because the science is so exciting in Antarctica it is tempting to work very long hours. I force myself to get to the small gymnasium to exercise, and to get to bed at a decent hour. When working at McMurdo Station in the austral summer one has to learn to adapt to constant daylight. Thank goodness for the special curtains in our rooms that can darken the room completely. This is not a problem where we are working now, at Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Overall, I have not experienced problems with isolation. However, comparatively, I am in Antarctica for short periods of time. Ask one of the "winter-over" personnel returning from 9 months at the south pole station this question, and you may get a very different answer!
Cheers,
Jim
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