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Tortello C, Folgueira A, Nicolas M, Cuiuli JM, Cairoli G, Crippa V, Barbarito M, Abulafia C, Golombek DA, Vigo DE, Plano SA. Coping with Antarctic demands: Psychological implications of isolation and confinement. Stress Health 2021; 37:431-441. [PMID: 33166090 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Working in extreme environments requires a wide range of cognitive, psychological and social competences. Antarctica represents one of the most challenging habitats to work in due to its aridity, extremely cold weather, and isolated conditions. This study aimed to assess mood variations and coping strategies, as well as their possible modulation by group dynamics in a crew at the Belgrano II Argentine Antarctic Station throughout 1 year of confinement. Thirteen members of the Argentine Army completed emotional, coping and social dynamics questionnaires bimonthly in March, May, July, September and November. Results showed a significant decline in social dynamics scales, evidenced by decreases in perceived peer and hierarchical support. Additionally, coping strategies displayed a drop in mature defence throughout the expedition. A positive correlation was found between social support and recovery from stress. Our results highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships in psychological adjustment to isolation and extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Tortello
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Folgueira
- Neurology Department, Central Military Hospital, Argentine Army, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michel Nicolas
- Laboratory Psy-DREPI (EA 7458), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Juan Manuel Cuiuli
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Cairoli
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Carolina Abulafia
- Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Movement Disorders Unit, Raul Carrea Institute of Neurological Research, Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Andrés Golombek
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Eduardo Vigo
- Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Santiago Andrés Plano
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ingram J, Hand CJ, Maciejewski G. Social isolation during COVID-19 lockdown impairs cognitive function. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 35:935-947. [PMID: 34230768 PMCID: PMC8250848 DOI: 10.1002/acp.3821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies examining the effect of social isolation on cognitive function typically involve older adults and/or specialist groups (e.g., expeditions). We considered the effects of COVID‐19‐induced social isolation on cognitive function within a representative sample of the general population. We additionally considered how participants ‘shielding’ due to underlying health complications, or living alone, performed. We predicted that performance would be poorest under strictest, most‐isolating conditions. At five timepoints over 13 weeks, participants (N = 342; aged 18–72 years) completed online tasks measuring attention, memory, decision‐making, time‐estimation, and learning. Participants indicated their mood as ‘lockdown’ was eased. Performance typically improved as opportunities for social contact increased. Interactions between participant sub‐groups and timepoint demonstrated that performance was shaped by individuals' social isolation levels. Social isolation is linked to cognitive decline in the absence of ageing covariates. The impact of social isolation on cognitive function should be considered when implementing prolonged pandemic‐related restrictive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ingram
- School of Education and Social Science University of the West of Scotland Paisley UK
| | | | - Greg Maciejewski
- School of Education and Social Science University of the West of Scotland Paisley UK
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