[Interconnected operator's activity under the conditions of experimental climatic stress].

Homeostatic testing was used to monitor the interpersonal instrumental interaction of participants in the experiment with isolation in the conditions of abnormally high temperatures and pall of smoke. It was found that the factor of extreme exposure influenced the team work activity in the isolated small group. Homeostatic testing allowed differentiation between 2 types of people, i.e. leaders and subordinates, and identify those who combine traits of both the leader and subordinate. The data suggest that success of a common task is determined as by well-considered, purposive actions of the leader, so by spontaneous, on the pattern of random search, contribution from operators.

[Ecopsychological investigations in 520-day isolation].

Assessment of the importance of higher plants for emotions and relations within the group of test-subjects was performed in the long-duration chamber experiment MARS-500 designed as an imitation of an exploration mission. It was shown that the degree of involvement with the plants dictated the magnitude and character of the ecopsychological effect. Subjects with high psychological stability and dominating introversion were more inclined to interact with plants. Remoteness of the greenhouse from recreation areas weakened the ecopsychological effect and denied the crew the opportunity to interact with plants. At the same time, the presence of the plant growth unit with decorative plants in the lounge had certainly a positive psychological effect. The crew gave preference to big bright flowers that did not demand much care. This observation should be taken into consideration by designers of psychological recreation environments. Choice of plants to be grown as a dietary supplement for the crew in isolation and confinement should be made with allowance for cultural preferences of crew members.

[Night sleep structural alteration as a function of individual strategy of adapting to 520-isolation].

Purpose of the work was to establish a relationship between trends in sleep alteration and individual adaptation to the stress-factors in the 520-day isolation study. Psychological evaluations using a battery of motivation tests and L. Sobchik's modification of the Luscher personality test, and Mirror coordinograph enabled to differentiate groups reacting to the stress on the pattern of "control" (G-1) or "search" (G-2) manifested in individual styles of behavior and operator's activity. The 2 groups showed different dynamics of the night sleep structure. Difficulties with falling asleep in G-1 arose on the eve of "landing onto Mars" and end of the experiment, whereas in G-2 they were evident prior to the end only. Besides, the micro- and segmental sleep structures were more stable in G-1 suggesting the integrity of somnogenic mechanisms despite difficult sleep initiation.

[Association between the person-unique individual behavior styles and the quality and reliability of operator's professional performance].

Among the prioritized objectives of maintaining psychophysiological safety in extended space missions is the buildup of crew professional reliability. Reliability of operator's performance hinges as on skills level, so personal working style. The purpose of the investigation was to penetrate into the patterns of association between a person-unique individual behavior style and quality and reliability of simulated professional operator's jobs. The investigation was part of the MARS-500 experiment (RF SSC - IBMP RAS, 2010-2011) and employed 2 procedures: the well-established manual vehicle control (Pilot-1) and a new one tasking with planetary surface exploration (VIRTU). Observation of individual work styles resulted in identification of 2 fundamentally different approaches to handling the operator's duties--reliable and innovative. It is noteworthy that a separate participant adhered to one and the same style when coping with either procedure. Also, personality traits predisposing to a concrete behavior were found, which confirms the hypothesis of deep personal nature of operator's work style that reveals itself consistently and isomorphically no matter the type of important job.

[Control locus, stress resistance and personal growth of the participants in experiment Mars-500].

The article deals with positive personal transformations in a simulated space mission. The investigation was focused on the aspects of control locus, stamina, proactive behavior to overcome challenges, and stress-related personal growth. Besides, ingenious psychophysiological techniques designed to select Russian cosmonauts were used for assessing stress-resistance and ability to control own emotions voluntarily. Experiment Mars-500 simulated the basic features of a mission to Mars. The crew consisted of 6 males 27 to 38 years of age who volunteered to spend 520 days in isolation and confinement in the IBMP experimental facility (Moscow). To detect personality changes, the volunteers were tested before the experiment and after its completion. According to the test results, the participants commonly demonstrated the ability to see the bright side of the Mars-500 adversities, which most often was caused by their social growth. Positive changes were particularly pronounced in the crewmembers who possessed a better ability to control own emotions. The simulated challenges were also beneficial for personal growth of the volunteers.

[Psychophysiological correlates of individual styles of professional operator's work].

One of the prioritized objectives of psychophysiological support for long-duration space missions is to strengthen professional reliability of cosmonauts. Operator's reliability is dependent as on skillfulness, so individual work style. PILOT-1 and VIRTU methods were used to study individual psychological characteristics and operator's strategy during project MARS500. The established two individual work styles (IWSs), i.e. control and search, reflect different types of reacting to stress. Combined analysis of these data and results of the "Mirror coordinograph" test showed invariance of IWSs no matter whether a task is complicated or simple. Operators demonstrating the "control" strategy are characterized by high initial mobilization readiness. Their reliability demands great physiological resources (high "cost"). Initial mobilization and physiological "cost" are lower in operators demonstrating the "search" work style. Dependent on the level of mobilization and motivation, their efficacy, in terms of quality and reliability specifically, is unstable in nature.

[Characteristics of crew communicative behavior and gonadal hormones excretion during long-term chamber isolation of international male crew].

The peculiarities of psycho-physiological adaptation to the simulation of the extended autonomous manned Mission to Mars with limited resources and external communication were studied. Verbal communication of the crew of 6 male subjects, representing Russian and European Space Agency with Mission Control (MC) as well as physiological correlates of 105-days life and work in the chambers under sensory deprivation, confinement, monotony and high autonomy were observed. Psychological, physiological and biochemical (urinary cortisol and gonadal hormones) testing together with content-analysis of the crew communication with MC were made in parallel. Gained results confirmed to a considerable extent the preliminary hypothesis about the serious impact of such stressful factors as intragroup conflict, significant decrease of the variety and scope of communication with the outer world and social pressure on the verbal behavior and hormonal excretion of the future Martian crew. For the first time correlation between the metabolism of the gonadal hormones and the volume, content and creativity of the verbal human behavior during various stages of adaptation to the extended isolation in the chambers.

[Psychophysiological adaptation and communication behavior of human operator during 105-day isolation].

Purpose of the study was to assess effects of 105-d isolation on language behavior and psychophysiological status of volunteered subjects. Software NOOJ was used to determine frequency of mentioning in written reports notions falling into the categories of "Needs", "Activity", "Negation" and "Social regulation". Well-being, activity and mood were assessed with the SAN questionnaire and urine cortisol measurement. Correlation of the content-analysis results with phases of adaptation to extended isolation and confinement made it possible to elicit specific features of language behavior of the small group members, at the time of simulated autonomy, specifically. Besides, the computerized content-analysis enabled a quantitative description of communication strategy as a function of psychophysiological adaptation to stressful factors of the simulation experiment.

[Utilization of computerized evaluation of mental effectiveness during simulation of spaceflight factors].

Comparative analysis was given to the results of computerized evaluation of mental effectiveness (SOPR-monitoring) during habitual work implementation and modellng of extreme spaceflight factors. SOPR-monito ring includes the following tests: SAN (general condition, activity, mood), 8-color M. Luscher test, continuous counting at auto speed, and target tracking. Implementation of habitual work (repeated testing of a subject over the period of 1.5 years) showed almost double improvement of mental effectiveness with the sensorimotor parameters remaining virtually unaltered. Different phases in diurnal variations of the mental and sensorimotor activities were established. Modeling of the challenging factors of space flight (bed rest and confinement) gave proof of a greater sensitivity of mental effectiveness, more dependent on cerebral circulation, comparing to sensorimotor performance. Computerized SOPR-monitoring is an easy-to-use and informative method for evaluation of external effects on mental effectiveness.

[The ability for psych self-regulation as a factor in resistance to the stresses in extreme conditions of space flight].

Significance of the ability for psych self-regulation in the context of resistance to the stresses of space flight was studied in an experiment with 9 test-subjects simulating such factors of space flights as 8 to 9-day isolation and confinement, some physiological effects of microgravity in a head-down position at -8 degrees for 7 d, artificial climate, and implementation of dock and piloting operations. Stress resistance, self-regulation, mental performance and behavior were assessed with the use of computerized tests "Mirror coordinograph", "Relaxometer", and "SOPR-monitoring". The ability to voluntary control psych was shown to be favorable to stress-resistance and rapid recovery of mental efficiency after the natural decline in consequence of the experimental simulation. The ability for psych self-regulation is one of the major criteria of professional selection for exposure to extreme conditions.

[Certain principles of Mars mission crew life and the organization of the performance]. / Nekotorye pritnsipy organizatsii zhiznedeiatel'nosti ékipazha marsianskoi ékspekitsii.

Article is devoted to some new aspects of biomedical support and countermeasures during a manned Mars mission. Significant differences in crew--Mission control interaction in a Martian and orbital flight are described. Special attention is paid to the problem of the Martian crew autonomy and decision-making. The authors give some practical recommendations for improvement of the space flight medical support system existing in Russia to meet the needs of a Martian expedition.

Subject's perceptions of the crew interaction dynamics under prolonged isolation.

BACKGROUND: 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. HYPOTHESES: 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, crew members were unsuccessful in making their personal self-concepts move closer to their concepts about fellow crew members. 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.

Study of the psychological adaptation of the crew during a 135 days space simulation.

The purpose of this study is to examine human adaptation of a three members' crew during a 135 days MIR flight simulation and to compare and validate psychological methods for monitoring and support in flight. The main findings showed that isolation was not a key factor for the subjects who were more concerned by recreational activities, family, and work. The individual reactions to stress of the crew members were to project their problems on the others. These reactions had some consequences upon the group: Although the three subjects developed a weak tendency to "group think", one of the crew members was considered as less integrated to the group by the other two subjects, who, however, acted to protect (successfully) the general cohesion and mood of the crew. From a methodological point of view, baseline data predicted the difficulties that occurred for one of the crew member. Both quantitative and qualitative tools were adequate, although qualitative tests gave a closer approach to the actual situation that developed during the simulation.

[A methodological study in a space flight simulation context]. / Une etude methodologique lors d'une simulation espace.

To study the effects of isolation and confinement on small groups during long space flights, it is habitual to use closed hyperbaric ground chambers. For the first time, the European Space Agency made use of a nautral environment taking advantage of an Antarctic winter-over at the French Dumont d'Urville Station. The main objective of that study ("International Antarctic Psychological Programme"), was to compare different Russian tests used for training cosmonauts to a W. European approach validated during previous winter studies and European ground chamber simulations. Russian techniques appeared to be oriented to a narrow range of phenomena and unsuited to discern the adjustment to stress conditions.

Content analysis of the crew communication with external communicants under prolonged isolation.

BACKGROUND: The communication between space crews and outside monitoring personnel in Mission Control gives us valuable information about crewmember psychological health. Studying the formal parameters of similar communication during ground-based space simulation missions helps us understand the psychological climate of confined groups over time, and this information can be applied to long-term space missions. HYPOTHESES: We hypothesized that psychological closing and information filtration will be observed in a confined crew as the mission progresses and will differ by the type of communication (e.g., audio vs. computer-generated) with the outside monitors in the simulated Mission Control (MC). In addition, communication patterns will vary with the specific group of people on-duty outside. METHOD: Audio and computer communications between space simulation crews and MC teams were analyzed during two isolation studies lasting 135 and 90 d at the Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow. A number of temporal, content and quantitative parameters of verbal activity were examined. RESULTS: The total intensity of communication dropped after month 1 of the missions. The Commander had the highest intensity of communication. There was evidence for the presence of psychological closing and information filtration in the crews over time, with some variation based on type of communication. Communication patterns differed with different outside teams. CONCLUSIONS: The communication between confined groups and outside monitoring personnel is affected by psychological closing and information filtration and by the make-up of the teams that comprise the monitoring groups.

[The dynamics of communicative interaction of the crew with outside parties during long-term isolation]. / Dinamika kommunikativnogo vzaimodeistviia ékipazha s vneshnimi abonentami v usloviiakh dlitel'noi izoliatsii.

Analyzed were indices of communicative activity of crew members during audio- and computer sessions in order to assess status and effectiveness of communicative interaction of crew with external parties. The investigation gave another evidence that an isolated small group develops "closing" and "internal censorship" in contacts with outer personnel. The conclusion was based on limited in intensity, number, topical spectrum and outer companion preference communication. These appeared to be parallel to egocentrism manifested by claims on supreme concern, sensitivity to speech tones and matter of massages of outer supporters, and attempted manipulation with the outer personnel. In the course of the experiment, the subjects were getting more into the habit to use the information channels for expansion of their emotional contacts and "dumping" emotions. Differential attitude to different duty teams and selective manner of communication underlie differences in the intensity of crew-ground personnel communication.

[Some peculiarities of group interaction and individual behavior under conditions of prolonged small group isolation]. / Nekotorye osobennosti gruppovogo vzaimodeistviia i individual'nogo povedeniia v usloviiakh dlite'lnoi izoliatsii v sostave maloi gruppy.

The 90-day chamber experiment (ECOPSY-95) gave another opportunity to continue studies of crew interaction and personal behavior with a number of psychological methods earlier used in the 135-day experiment HUBES. Methods of group observation included free discussion and overcoming a problematic case by the group (video monitoring), Kettell's 16 PF and MIPG (A.Abraham) personal tests, and interview. The unfavorable dynamics revealed during ECOPSY-95 was ascribed to intergroup conflicts. Lack of resolution in the crew commander and proper mechanisms to quench the conflicts stood on the way to consolidation of the crew psychological structure. Naturally, this impacted crew effectiveness in challenging situations. On the contrary, HUBES resorted to the traditional mechanisms of "draining" negative emotions and internal strains out. Therefore, the isolated team was able to keep up its internal balance and high effectiveness in attacking formidable tasks. These investigations attested high sensitivity, validity, and productivity of the methods selected for evaluation of interpersonal relations in small groups during isolation.

[Dynamics of subjective perception of in-group interaction during long-term isolation and confinement]. / Dinamika sub"ektivnogo vospriiatiia vzaimootnoshenii v ekipazhe v usloviiakh dlite'lnoi izoliatsii.

In experiments HUBES and ECOPSY-95 small groups of test-subjects under the conditions of long-term isolation and confinement were noted to split into two fairly stable parts each consisting of two crew members and an "outsider". Strain in the interaction between the "outsider" and the crew tended to grow in acuity as was evidenced by rise in the criteria describing behavior of a small group, and relationship. In both experiments the background for the conflict-threatening strain appeared to be a disintegrated ego-image in both of the "outsiders". Generally, infantilism of ego-image was in hand with hand with low self-assessment. Development by the subjects of ineffective patterns of the attitude system which we consider to be "escape back to the past" and "disintegration" of ego-image overlapped with the most psychologically challenging periods in the experiments, i.e. the start and the end of isolation and confinement, and off-nominal situations.