Hostname: page-component-77c89778f8-m42fx Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-07-16T19:25:06.093Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Evolution of the coping strategies in an isolated group in an Antarctic base

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2009

Marta Barbarito ,
Simona Baldanza  and
Antonio Peri
Marta Barbarito
Affiliation:
Direccion Nacional Antartico, Instituto Antartico Argentino, Cerrito 1248, Capital (1010), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Simona Baldanza
Affiliation:
C.R. ENEA (Ente per le Nuove tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente), Casaccia - Progetto Antartide, S.P. Anguillarese 301, 00060 S. Maria di Galeria (Roma), Italy
Antonio Peri
Affiliation:
C.R. ENEA (Ente per le Nuove tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente), Casaccia - Progetto Antartide, S.P. Anguillarese 301, 00060 S. Maria di Galeria (Roma), Italy
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The Antarctic environment is well known for its hostility (cold, isolation, and confinement). The effects of the Antarctic experience on human health are controversial, as some studies emphasise negative (‘pathogenic’) and others positive (‘salutogenic’) effects. In the process of human adaptation to extreme environments, the cognitive and behavioural strategies — defined as coping — that individuals use are a basic component.

This study investigated the use and the changes of coping strategies in nine Antarctic wintering-over expeditioners by administering the COPE questionnaire three times during the year. The results showed a composite use of the coping strategies in the group. The ways of coping, focusing on problem solving and developing personal maturity, were judged to be those most used over the period. Some variations connected with the specific environment were noticed. There was an increase in self-distancing from problems, disengaging from the socio-operational environment, procrastinating, and emotional levelling, particularly in mid-winter. This lethargic, apathetic attitude, which is called ‘freezing,’ may represent a defence against useless energy expenditure and may reduce stress response. This ‘immobilisation’ strategy, well reflected in the symptoms of the ‘winter-over syndrome,’ appears to be adaptive in an environment where the control an individual can exert is highly limited. The results seem to support the salutogenic effects of the winter-over experience.

Type
Articles
Information
Polar Record , Volume 37 , Issue 201 , April 2001 , pp. 111 - 120
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2001

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Aldwin, C.M. 1994. Stress, coping, and development: an integrative perspective. New York: Guildford Press.Google Scholar
Antonovsky, A. 1987. Unraveling the mystery of health: how people manage stress and stay well. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.Google Scholar
Barabasz, A.F. 1980. EEG alpha, skin conductance and hypnotisability. The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 28: 63–74.Google Scholar
Barbarito, M. 1998. El descongelamento. Buenos Aires: Direccion Nacional Antartico, Instituto Antartico Argentino (Technical report).Google Scholar
Barbarito, M., and Peri, A.. In press. Indagine preliminare sull'adattamento e sulle strategie di risposta individuale nel personale delle basi antartiche argentine. Giornale di Medicina Militare.Google Scholar
Bechtel, R.B., and Berning, A.. 1991. The third-quarter phenomenon: do people experience discomfort after stress has passed? In: Harrison, A.A., Clearwater, Y.A., and McKay, C.P. (editors). From Antarctica to outer space: life in isolation and confinement. New York: Springer-Verlag: 261–266.Google Scholar
Beel, J., and Garthwaite, P.H.. 1987. The psychological effects of service in British Antarctica: a study using the General Health Questionnaire. British Journal of Psychiatry 150: 213–218.Google Scholar
Blair, S.M. 1991. The Antarctic experience. In: Harrison, A.A., Clearwater, Y.A., and McKay, C.P. (editors). From Antarctica to outer space: life in isolation and confinement. New York: Springer-Verlag: 57–64.Google Scholar
Byrd, R.E. 1938. Alone. Covelo, CA: Island Press.Google Scholar
Carrere, S., Evans, G.W., and Stokols, D.. 1991. Winter-over stress: physiological and psychological adaptation to an Antarctic isolated and confined environment. In: Harrison, A.A., Clearwater, Y.A., and McKay, C.P. (editors,). From Antarctica to outer space: life in isolation and confinement. New York: Springer-Verlag: 229–237.Google Scholar
Carver, C.S., Scheier, M.F., and Weintraub, J.K.. 1989. Assessing coping strategies: a theoretically based approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 56 (2): 267–283.Google Scholar
Cohen, S., Evans, G.W., Stokols, D., and Krantz, D.. 1986. Stress and the environment. New York: Putnam.Google Scholar
Cook, F.A. 1900. Through the first Antarctic night 1898–1899. New York: Doubleday.Google Scholar
Cox, T. 1978. Stress. London: Macmillan Education.Google Scholar
Farrace, S., Cenni, P., Tuozzi, G., Casagrande, M., Barbarito, M., and Peri, A.. 1999. Endocrine and psychophysiological aspects of human adaptation to the extreme. Physiology and Behavior 60 (4): 613–620.Google Scholar
Gunderson, E.K.E. 1973. Individual behavior in confined or isolated groups. In: Rasmussen, J.E. (editor). Man in isolation and confinement. Chicago: Aldine Publishing: 145–166.Google Scholar
Gunderson, E.K.E. 1974. Psychological studies in Antarctica. In: Gunderson, E.K.E. (editor). Human adaptability to Antarctic conditions. Washington D.C.: American Geophysical Union: 115–131.Google Scholar
Holmes, T.H., and Masuda, M.. 1974. Life changes and illness susceptibility. In: Dohrenwend, B.S., and Dohrenwend, B.P. (editors). Stressful life events: their nature and effects. New York: Wiley: 45–72.Google Scholar
Holroyd, K.A., and Lazarus, R.. 1984. Stress coping and somatic adaptation. In: Chiari, G., and Nuzzo, M.L. (editors). Crescita e cambiamento delta conoscenza individuale. Milan: Angeli: 104–126.Google Scholar
Lantis, M. 1968. Environmental stresses on human behavior: summary and suggestions. Archives of Environmental Health 17: 578–585.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Law, P. 1960. Personality problems in Antarctica. The Medical Journal of Australia 47: 273–282.Google Scholar
Lazarus, R.S., and Folkman, S.. 1984. Stress appraisal and coping. New York: Springer.Google Scholar
Levine, M.W., and Shefner, J.M.. 1981. Fundamentals of selection and perception. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.Google Scholar
Levine, S., and Ursin, H.. 1991. What is stress? In: Brown, M.R., Rivier, C., and Koob, G. (editors). Stress: neurobiology and neuroendocrinology. New York: Marcel Dekker: 3–21.Google Scholar
McCrae, R.R., and Costa, P.T. Jr 1986. Personality, coping and coping effectiveness in an adult sample. Journal of Personality 52: 345–405.Google Scholar
McGonagle, K.M., and Kessler, R.C.. 1990. Chronic stress, acute stress and depressive symptoms. American Journal of Community Psychology 18: 681–706.Google Scholar
Mocellin, J.S., and Suedfeld, P.. 1991. Voices from the ice: diaries of polar explorers. Environment and Behavior 23 (6): 704–722.Google Scholar
Mocellin, J.S., Suedfeld, P., Bernaldez, J.P., and Barbarito, M.G.. 1991. Levels of anxiety in polar environment. Journal of Environmental Psychology 11:265–275.Google Scholar
Mullin, C.S. 1960. Some psychological aspects of isolated Antarctic living. American Journal of Psychiatry 11: 323–325.Google Scholar
Murphy, L. 1974. Coping vulnerability, and resilience in childhood. In: Coelho, G.V., Hamburg, D.A., and Adams, J.E. (editors). Coping and adaptation. New York: Basic Books: 69–100.Google Scholar
Nansen, F. 1897. Farthest north. London: Archibald Constable.Google Scholar
Natani, K., and Shurley, J.T.. 1973. Sociopsychological aspects of a winter vigil at South Pole station. In: Gunderson, E.K.E. (editor). Human adaptability to Antarctic conditions. Washington, DC: American Geophysical Union: 89–114.Google Scholar
Nelson, P.D. 1973. The indirect observation of groups under confinement and isolation. In: Rasmussen, J.E. (editor). Man in isolation and confinement. Chicago: Aldine Publishing: 167–194.Google Scholar
Oliver, D. C. 1991. Psychological effects of isolation and confinement of a winter-over group at McMurdo station, Antarctica. In: Harrison, A.A., Clearwater, Y.A., and McKay, C.P. (editors). From Antarctica to outer space: life in isolation and confinement. New York: Springer-Verlag: 217–228.Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A. 1985. Sociocultural influences on psychosocial adjustment in Antarctica. San Diego: NHR Center (Report 85–49).Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A. 1986. Health and performance of Antarctic winter-over personnel: a follow-up study. Aviation Space Environmental Medicine 57: 954.Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A. 1991. Effects of physical and social environments on the health and well-being of Antarctic winter-over personnel. Environment and Behavior 23: 782–799.Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A. 1992. Going to extremes: the cultural context of stress, illness and coping in Antarctica. Social Science Medicine 35 (5): 651–664.Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A., and Browner, D.. 1995. Effects of prolonged isolation in extreme environments on stress, coping and depression. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 25 (7): 557–576.Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A., and Houseal, M.. 2000. Stages of change in mood and behavior during a winter in Antarctica. Environment and Behavior 32 (1): 128–141.Google Scholar
Palinkas, L.A., Houseal, M., and Miller, C.. 2000. Sleep and mood during winter in Antarctica. International Journal of Circumpolar Health 59: 63–73.Google ScholarPubMed
Palinkas, L.A., Houseal, M., and Rosenthal, N.E.. 1996. Subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder in Antarctica. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 184: 530–534.Google Scholar
Palmer, S., and Dryden, W.. 1995. Counselling for stress problems. London: Sage.Google Scholar
Peri, A., Barbarito, M., and Baldanza, S.. In press a. Sources of discomfort in the Italian Antarctic expeditions. Proceedings XI Scalop Symposium, Tokyo 12 July 2000.Google Scholar
Peri, A., Barbarito, M., and Barattoni, M.. In press b. Valutazione retrospettiva dell'esperienza psico-socio-organizzativa di una campagna antartica. II Polo.Google Scholar
Peri, A., Barbarito, M., and Scarlata, C.. 2000. Preliminary studies on the psychological adjustment in the Italian Antarctic summer campaigns. Environment and Behavior 32 (1): 72–83.Google Scholar
Peri, A., Ruffini, M.C., Taylor, A.J.W.. 1991. Le reazioni della coppia durante le spedizioni nazionali in Antartide. Annali di Medicina Navale 96 (1): 65–75.Google Scholar
Rahe, R.H. 1975. Life changes and near-future illness reports. In: Levi, L. (editor). Emotions, their parameters and measurements. New York: Raven Press.Google Scholar
Rasmussen, J.E. 1973. Introduction. In: Rasmussen, J.E. (editor). Man in isolation and confinement. Chigago: Aldine: 1–6.Google Scholar
Rivolier, J. 1989. L'homme stressé. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France.Google Scholar
Rivolier, J. 1992. Facteurs humains et situations extrêmes. Paris: Masson.Google Scholar
Rivolier, J. 1999. Multiplicity and complexity of human adaptation to extreme environments. In: Proceedings of first Italian workshop on human adaptation in Antarctica and extreme environments, Venice, 3–5 May 1999. Rome: Italian Antarctic Research Programme: 8–12.Google Scholar
Rosenthal, N.E. 1993. Winter blues. New York: Guildford Press.Google Scholar
Rothblum, E. 1990. Psychological factors in the Antarctic. The Journal of Psychology 124 (3): 253–273.Google Scholar
Sica, C., Novara, C., Dorz, S., and Sanavio, E.. 1997. Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE): traduzione e adattamento italiano. Bollettino di Psicologia Applicata 223: 25–34.Google Scholar
Strange, R.E., and Klein, W.J.. 1974. Emotional and social adjustment of recent U.S. winter-over parties in isolated Antarctic stations. In: Edholm, O.G., and Gunderson, E.K.E. (editors). Polar human biology. Chicago: Heineman: 410.Google Scholar
Suedfeld, P., and Mocellin, J.S.. 1989. The stress of polar life: toward a salutogenic examination. Unpublished manuscript presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, New Orleans, LA, 08, 1989.Google Scholar
Suedfeld, P., and Steel, G.D.. 2000. The environmental psychology of capsule habitats. Annual Review of Psychology 51: 227–253.Google Scholar
Suedfeld, P., and Weiss, K.. 2000. Antarctica: natural laboratory and space analogue for psychological research. Environment and Behavior 32 (1): 7–17.Google Scholar
Taylor, A.J.W. 1969. Professional isolates in New Zealand's Antarctic Research Programme. International Review of Applied Psychology. 18: 135–138.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Taylor, A.J.W. 1987. Antarctic psychology, Wellington, NZ: Science Information Publishing Centre.Google Scholar
Taylor, A.J.W. 1989. Polar winters: chronic deprivation or transient hibernation? PolarRecord 25 (154): 239–246.Google Scholar
Taylor, A.J.W., and McCormick, I.A.. 1987. The reactions of Italian family partners of the Antarctic expeditioners. Polar Record 23 (147): 691–700.Google Scholar
Taylor, A.J.W., and Shurley, J.T.. 1971. Some Antarctic troglodytes. International Reviewot Applied Psychology 20: 143–148.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ursin, H., Bergan, T., and 12 others. 1991b. Psychobiological studies of individuals in small, isolated groups in the Antarctic and in-space analogues. Environment and Behavior 23 (6): 766–781.Google Scholar
Ursin, H., and Olff, M.. 1995. Aggression, defense and coping in humans. Aggressive Behavior 21. 13–19.Google Scholar
Ursin, H., Vaernes, R., Endresen, I., and Warncke, M.. 1991a. Physiological and psychological aspects of living in confined space under stress. In: Taylor, A.J.W. (editor). Human factors in polar psychology with some implications for space. Cambridge: Scott Polar Research Institute: 39–42.Google Scholar
Warr, P.B., , T. and Wall, . 1975. Work and well-being. Harmondsworth: Penguin.Google Scholar
White, R.W. 1974. Strategies of adaptation: an attempt at systematic description. In: Coelho, G.V., Hamburg, D.A., and Adams, J.E. (editors). Coping and adaptation. New York: Basic Books: 47–68.Google Scholar
Wood, J., Hysong, S.J., Lugg, D.J., Harm, D.L.. Is it really so bad? A comparison of positive and negative experiences in Antarctic winter stations. Environment and Behaviour 32 (1): 84–110.Google Scholar