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Smith L. Space station and spacecraft environmental conditions and human mental health: Specific recommendations and guidelines. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 40:126-134. [PMID: 38245337 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The way that a given environment may influence human mental health is widely established, with decades of research linking anxiety, depression, stress, productivity, and general mood with all facets of a given environment, including noise levels, lighting, air quality, and other factors. The environmental conditions of a space habitat have far reaching consequences for human mental health and should be carefully managed. This manuscript serves to briefly review what is known about the main components of a space habitat (e.g., noise levels, lighting, air quality, privacy, plant life, etc.), and provide specific and clear recommendations for mission planners and space habitat designers. Where appropriate, opportunities for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Smith
- Oklahoma State University, 116 Psychology Building, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Le Roy B, Martin-Krumm C, Pinol N, Dutheil F, Trousselard M. Human challenges to adaptation to extreme professional environments: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105054. [PMID: 36682426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
NASA is planning human exploration of the Moon, while preparations are underway for human missions to Mars, and deeper into the solar system. These missions will expose space travelers to unusual conditions, which they will have to adapt to. Similar conditions are found in several analogous environments on Earth, and studies can provide an initial understanding of the challenges for human adaptation. Such environments can be marked by an extreme climate, danger, limited facilities and supplies, isolation from loved ones, or mandatory interaction with others. They are rarely encountered by most human beings, and mainly concern certain professions in limited missions. This systematic review focuses on professional extreme environments and captures data from papers published since 2005. Our findings provide an insight into their physiological, biological, cognitive, and behavioral impacts for better understand how humans adapt or not to them. This study provides a framework for studying adaptation, which is particularly important in light of upcoming longer space expeditions to more distant destinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Le Roy
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; CNES, Paris, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France.
| | - Charles Martin-Krumm
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; École de Psychologues Praticiens, Catholic Institute of Paris, EA Religion, Culture et société, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Pinol
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Health Library, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, F 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, 34 Avenue Carnot, 63 037 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; French Military Health Service Academy, Paris, France
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Li H, Browning MHEM, Rigolon A, Larson LR, Taff D, Labib SM, Benfield J, Yuan S, McAnirlin O, Hatami N, Kahn PH. Beyond "bluespace" and "greenspace": A narrative review of possible health benefits from exposure to other natural landscapes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159292. [PMID: 36208731 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of contact with nature, typically in landscapes characterized by plants (i.e., "greenspace") and water (i.e., "bluespace"). However, natural landscapes are not always green or blue, and the effects of other landscapes are worth attention. This narrative review attempts to overcome this limitation of past research. Rather than focusing on colors, we propose that natural landscapes are composed of at least one of three components: (1) plants (e.g., trees, flowering plants, grasses, sedges, mosses, ferns, and algae), (2) water (e.g., rivers, canals, lakes, and oceans), and/or (3) rocks and minerals, including soil. Landscapes not dominated by plants or liquid-state water include those with abundant solid-state water (e.g., polar spaces) and rocks or minerals (e.g., deserts and caves). Possible health benefits of solid-state water or rock/mineral dominated landscapes include both shorter-term (e.g., viewing images) and longer-term (e.g., living in these landscapes) exposure durations. Reported benefits span improved emotional and mental states and medical treatment resources for respiratory conditions and allergies. Mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exposure consist of commonly discussed theories in the "greenspace" and "bluespace" literature (i.e., instoration and restoration) as well as less discussed pathways in that literature (i.e., post-traumatic growth, self-determination, supportive environment theory, and place attachment). This is the first review to draw attention to the potential salutogenic value of natural landscapes beyond "greenspace" and "bluespace." It is also among the first to highlight the limitations and confusion that result from classifying natural landscapes using color. Since the extant literature on natural landscapes - beyond those with abundant plants or liquid-state water - is limited in regard to quantity and quality, additional research is needed to understand their restorative potential and therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Li
- Institute of Sports Science, College of Physical Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 8400715, China
| | - Matthew H E M Browning
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Alessandro Rigolon
- Department of City and Metropolitan Planning, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Lincoln R Larson
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Derrick Taff
- Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - S M Labib
- Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, 3584, CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob Benfield
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, Abington, PA, USA.
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Olivia McAnirlin
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Nazanin Hatami
- Virtual Reality & Nature Lab, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Peter H Kahn
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Relationship between Urinary Metabolomic Profiles and Depressive Episode in Antarctica. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020943. [PMID: 36674456 PMCID: PMC9861393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antarctic expeditions have a high risk of participant depression owing to long stays and isolated environments. By quantifying the stress state and changes in biomolecules over time before the onset of depressive symptoms, predictive markers of depression can be explored. Here, we evaluated the psychological changes in 30 participants in the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Urinary samples were collected every three months for a year, and comprehensive urinary metabolomic profiles were quantified using liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Five participants showed major depressive episodes (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) at 12 months. The urinary metabolites between these participants and the 25 unaffected participants were compared at individual metabolite and pathway levels. The individual comparisons showed the most significant differences at 12 months in 14 metabolites, including ornithine and beta-alanine. Data from shorter stays showed less significant differences. In contrast, pathway and enrichment analyses showed the most significant difference at three months and a less significant difference at longer stays. These time transitions of urinary metabolites could help in the development of urinary biomarkers to detect subjects with depressive episodes at an early stage.
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Rajesh YS, Bhat PS, Srivastava K, Kanitkar M. Study of psychological effects of deployment at extreme high altitude area on soldiers. Med J Armed Forces India 2021; 77:426-430. [PMID: 34594071 DOI: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Indian Armed Forces are fighting the battle at extreme High Altitude, the most inhospitable terrain in the world, for the last thirty five years. The stress of being isolated under harsh environmental conditions on a daily basis can have an adverse effect on their mind. However, so far, no study has been undertaken to assess the psychological effects of deployment at extreme High Altitude. Methods Three hundred thirty-four troops selected for deployment were initially evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Armed Forces Medical College Life Events Scale (AFMC LES) as screening tools to assess mental health status after obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent. On deinduction after a deployment for more than three months, they were reassessed. The data collected were statistically analysed. Results As per GHQ-12 evaluation, after the deployment score increased from 0.2574 to 0.9162, but remained lower than the 'caseness' level of 2. Among the 79 troops with a score of 2 and more, the majority were married and had past history of tenures at high-altitude areas. There was statistically significant increase in the AFMC LES scores also on deployment. Conclusion Deployment at extremely high-altitude areas for even three months produces significant psychological morbidity among troops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Rajesh
- Graded Specialist (Surgery), Military Hospital Secunderabad, India
| | - P S Bhat
- Brig Med, HQ 3 Corps, C/o 99 APO, India
| | - Kalpana Srivastava
- Scientist 'G', Department of Psychiatry, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India
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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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Who will adapt best in Antarctica? Resilience as mediator between past experiences in Antarctica and present well-being. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.109963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Barros-Delben P, Pereira GK, Melo HMD, Thieme AL, Cruz RM. Mapeamento de Estressores no Trabalho de Expedicionários do Programa Antártico Brasileiro (PROANTAR). PSICOLOGIA: TEORIA E PESQUISA 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/0102.3772e3559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO O programa Antártico Brasileiro (PROANTAR) realiza expedições à Antártica, onde militares e civis são expostos a estressores. A presente pesquisa mapeou os estressores ambientais, ocupacionais e interpessoais percebidos por participantes do PROANTAR. Uma amostra de 38 pessoas, separadas em dois grupos, foi avaliada no início e final de uma expedição. Os resultados obtidos por meio de questionários e entrevistas indicaram prevalência de estressores ambientais (60,71%), ocupacionais (23,80%) e interpessoais (15,47%) no início, e de estressores interpessoais (55,97%), ambientais (32,08%) e ocupacionais (11,94%) ao final. Os resultados sugerem que a convivência forçada gera a percepção de estressores interpessoais se sobrepondo aos ambientais. Fenômenos psicológicos deveriam ser considerados no planejamento de futuras expedições, pois estão relacionados à saúde e desempenho das atividades.
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Leach J. Psychological factors in exceptional, extreme and torturous environments. EXTREME PHYSIOLOGY & MEDICINE 2016; 5:7. [PMID: 27257476 PMCID: PMC4890253 DOI: 10.1186/s13728-016-0048-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Our cognitive system has adapted to support goal-directed behaviour within a normal environment. An abnormal environment is one to which we are not optimally adapted but can accommodate through the development of coping strategies. These abnormal environments can be ‘exceptional’, e.g., polar base, space station, submarine, prison, intensive care unit, isolation ward etc.; ‘extreme’, marked by more intense environmental stimuli and a real or perceived lack of control over the situation, e.g., surviving at sea in a life-raft, harsh prison camp etc.; or ‘tortuous’, when specific environmental stimuli are used deliberately against a person in an attempt to undermine his will or resistance. The main factors in an abnormal environment are: psychological (isolation, sensory deprivation, sensory overload, sleep deprivation, temporal disorientation); psychophysiological (thermal, stress positions), and psychosocial (cultural humiliation, sexual degradation). Each single factor may not be considered tortuous, however, if deliberately structured into a systemic cluster may constitute torture under legal definition. The individual experience of extremis can be pathogenic or salutogenic and attempts are being made to capitalise on these positive experiences whilst ameliorating the more negative aspects of living in an abnormal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Leach
- Extreme Environmental Medicine & Science Group, Extreme Environments Laboratory, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2ER UK
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