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Publication AbstractsSubject's perceptions of the crew interaction dynamics under prolonged isolationGushin VI, Efimov VA, Smirnova TM, Vinokhodova AG, Kanas NAviat Space Environ Med 1998; 69:556-61 AbstractBackground: The interactions of individuals participating in space simulation studies can give us valuable information about ways that space crew members relate with one another. A promising method of investigating such interactions is based on the Kelly repertory grid technique. Hypothesis: We predicted that in a space simulation crew: 1) one's personal self-concept would become closer to concepts about other crew members in a cohesive crew, and vice-versa, and 2) the similarity of one's ego images in the past, present and future influences that person's position in the group. Method: Crews from two isolation studies lasting 135 and 90 days at the Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow were evaluated using a modification of the Kelly repertory grid technique. Members assessed each other on a monthly basis and during off-nominal simulated docking periods. Results: During both isolations, crewmembers were unsuccessful in making their personal self-concepts move closer to their concepts about fellow crewmembers. Crew disintegration resulted, with one member becoming an outsider whose personality was characterized by a disintegrated ego-image and an infantile type of the present ego. Conclusions: In small isolated groups, failure to make personal self-concepts become more like concepts about other crew members can lead to group disintegration and tension and can result in the appearance of an outsider who has a disintegrated ego-image and an infantile present ego.
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