Psychological considerations in isolated, confined and extreme environments
Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on earth – beautiful but inhospitable at the same time. While there are no permanent inhabitants on the continent, there are a number of small settlements (research stations) that allow for scientists and support staff to live and work in Antarctica on a rotational basis.
Across the different countries that have a presence in Antarctica (National Antarctic Programs), the population on the continent over the Antarctic summer is around 4000 people, with that number reducing to around 1000 during the winter months (bit.ly/3kdqJYO). The Antarctic summer season duration is generally four to six months with those deploying for a winter spending around 12 to 15 months on the continent (generally a winter and summer, or summer-winter-summer season). There are many aspects of the Antarctic environment that contribute to a range of physical and psychological challenges for those that take part in the program.
What is the Australian Antarctic Program?
Antarctica is not owned by any one nation but is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty. Australia’s territorial claim is 42 per cent of the continent, the largest of any nation. The Australian Antarctic Program (antarctica.gov.au) is led by the Australian Antarctic Division, and has three permanent research stations on the Antarctic continent – Mawson, Casey and Davis stations and a summer-only station at Wilkins Aerodrome. Alongside these, Australia also maintains a subantarctic research station on Macquarie Island.
Each year, the summer population across Australia’s research stations is around 500 with this number reducing to between 80 and 100 over the winter months. The wintering population size will differ across the stations with Davis and Casey stations each supporting a wintering group of around 20 to 25 expeditioners, and a smaller number of around 15 at Mawson and Macquarie Island stations respectively.
Summer months are generally busy with scientific research and a range of infrastructure projects being undertaken. Across the winter months the tempo reduces with environmental conditions limiting station activities to essential requirements only, alongside a small amount of research. While the population is quite varied across the summer, reflecting the vast array of work and projects being undertaken, the smaller station population over winter is primarily focused on maintaining the station. This wintering population generally comprises a station leader, communications, field training, supply and aviation support personnel, a chef and medical practitioner, and a range of tradespersons undertaking mechanical and infrastructure work.
While the general population expects there to be scientists in Antarctica, there is often little awareness of the broader range of roles necessary to maintain the stations and support the conduct of science. Each year the Australian Antarctic Division recruits around 180 to 200 people to fill these support roles across each station or in the field (jobs.antarctica.gov.au).
Australia’s Antarctic stations function like a small town with facilities for power generation sewage works, water-making, vehicle maintenance, general living, medical and working locations (bit.ly/3bzcZnf). The general living quarters are very well-appointed, with expeditioners having their own rooms (with shared bathrooms) and access to communal living and eating areas, as well as a broad range of recreational facilities (gym, hobby hut, library etc.) Research stations in Antarctica are self-sustaining, relying on everyone to participate in communal duties (e.g., cleaning and kitchen duties and general maintenance) to support the day-to-day functioning of the station. Expeditioners are also trained across a range of secondary duties including an emergency response team, fire team and lay surgical assistant roles, as well as maintaining a hydroponics facility.
Unique stressors of the environment
Antarctica is known as an isolated, confined and extreme environment; other similar environments include the International Space Station, extended space flights, space simulation analogues (such as HI-SEAS; hi-seas.org) and submariner environments. The unique nature of these environments exposes individuals to unusually demanding psychological and physical circumstances often for extended periods of time. While Antarctica is an isolated, confined and extreme environment in its own right, it is also a notable analogue setting for space travel attracting substantial research interest.
Summer months in Antarctica are characterised by constant daylight while short days, and extended periods of twilight/darkness typify the winter months. Summer temperatures at an Australian research station are comparatively mild (on occasion hovering around or slightly above zero degrees) while winter temperatures can vary between -10 and -30 degrees centigrade. This predominantly white environment provides limited external physical stimuli and is subjected to high wind (blizzard) conditions at times restricting outside movement.
Another unique feature of Antarctica as an isolated, confined and extreme environment is that during the winter months (April–October), expeditioners at Australia’s research stations are truly physically isolated with no capacity for them to be reached by air or sea, making evacuation and return home impossible. Even across the summer months there is limited opportunity for, and no guarantee of evacuation. While the concept of being unable to return home is something that the world has become increasing familiar with in response to COVID-19 travel restrictions, it is not something that is easy to grasp with in the modern world.
While the environmental conditions are harsh, it is the psychological and psychosocial stressors of these environments that are often most challenging. Much attention has been given to these stressors across the literature which include physical isolation from normal social and familial relationships, enforced togetherness and lack of privacy, boredom, monotonous living and working conditions, cultural and language differences, social tensions, and prolonged periods of restricted movement and confinement to a small number of physical structures (Norris et al., 2010). Occupational stressors such as periods of under and over occupation, time pressures, resource deficiencies and shifts in operational autonomy are also routinely reported, as is the lack of separation between work and non-work environments and interactions.
Separation from family and friends, and disruption to family/home life has endured as a key stressor in an Antarctic context; in particular where issues arise at home that the expeditioner has limited capacity to respond to which can result in feelings of inadequacy, uncertainty and frustration. Across the Australian Antarctic Program this was highlighted more so in 2020. While compassionate issues are not uncommon (including deaths in family and friendship circles and relationship breakups) the significant bushfires that impacted Australia over the 2019/20 summer followed closely by COVID-19 left many expeditioners concerned about loved ones at home, not fully knowing the impact of these events on the significant people in their lives, and unable to return home to provide physical and emotional support, particularly to intimate partners and close family.
Enhanced connectivity
A double-edged sword in an isolated, confined and extreme environment
Over recent years new technologies and greater connectivity have improved communications between stations and Australia. Expeditioners can now maintain real-time contact with those back home through social media, phone calls, instant messaging and videoconferencing platforms. This enhanced communication has allowed expeditioners to stay connected with family, friends and events back home which can enhance the post-deployment reintegration experience and provide continuing access to broader support networks; both of which can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. However, greater connectivity home has shown itself to be a double-edged sword. In the midst of the Antarctic winter, when the demands are often most challenging, real-time social media posts of a birthday celebration back home or mates gathering at a sporting event as examples, can greatly enhance the sense of (physical) isolation and a feeling of ‘missing out’. This real-time communication also means issues back home can quickly come to the attention of the expeditioner but often there is little that they can do resulting in a sense of helplessness or distraction; all of which can have an adverse impact on mental health and wellbeing as well as performance.
How are participants selected?
There is much discussion in the literature about the requirements for successful psychological adaptation to an Antarctic setting, but also a call for ongoing research (e.g., Jaksic, 2018) as this likely changes across time as the environment in which expeditioners live and work evolves – particularly changes in transport options, deployment duration, improvements in human habitat design and new communication technologies.
The known demands of the environment and the challenges of evacuation (when possible) warrants an intensive selection and assessment process. These processes are designed to ensure that those selected to live and work on an Antarctic research station are able to withstand the demands of this unique environment. This is critically important as an inability to effectively adapt and respond to these demands and undertake designated duties, can have a detrimental impact on the individual’s performance and wellbeing, as well as having a potentially damaging effect on the wider station community and success of the Program.
Selection for participation in the Australian Antarctic Program is an extended process involving technical, medical and psychological assessments, as well as a 24-hour assessment centre; the latter reflecting a day in the life of an expeditioner to the best extent possible, allowing for the observation and assessment of personal qualities in a group setting. This selection methodology aligns with the intent of selecting out those individuals who are clearly unsuited and unlikely to adapt effectively, and selecting in those who demonstrate desirable characteristics that have been well-documented across the literature.
Favourable traits and psychological assessment
Consistent with what we have learned from the literature, the Australian Antarctic Division seeks individuals that demonstrate sound motivation with realistic expectations, show emotional stability, are able to work effectively in a small team environment, have some insight into how their behaviour may impact on others and are able to moderate accordingly, and are considerate of others. In our experience, the successful applicant is resilient and flexible, utilises adaptive coping strategies, is able to perform effectively under stress, and work independently. Conscientiousness and agreeableness are important, as is sociability and a low need for external stimuli. Demographics have not shown to be a marker, however a stable domestic situation and family support have proven to be important to successful adaptation.
While selection processes differ across National Antarctic Programs, psychological screening is commonly employed to minimise the risk of poor psychological adaptation. In the Australian context the psychological assessment, comprising a personality screen and a face-to-face semi-structured assessment interview, is designed to explore whether an applicant processes the behavioural characteristics necessary to perform their job effectively, has the capacity to cope with a period of duty in Antarctica, and an ability to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes harmonious working and social operation of a small station community. As would be expected, the most rigorous standards apply to those applicants being considered for a winter season given the enhanced risks to effective adaptation associated with an extended period of physical isolation, greater impact of environmental conditions over winter and a smaller community size.
Psychological impact of deployment
Attributed, at least in part, to the medical and psychological screening undertaken across National Antarctic Programs, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders are rare in Antarctica populations with mood, adjustment and sleep disorders cited as the most common diagnosis. However psychological health can be adversely affected with depressed mood and irritability, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, adjustment difficulties and interpersonal conflict and fatigue being most frequently cited (Zimmer et al., 2013 provide one of the more recent overviews).
The challenges of living and working in Antarctica, as voiced by participants in the Australian Antarctic Program, are not inconsistent with those reported in the literature. Interpersonal conflicts, lack of privacy and alone-time, separation issues and challenges for family at home are commented upon most frequently. Not unexpectedly, the psychological impact is greater over winter with expeditioners often reporting lower mood, morale and motivation during this time, as well as increased instances of interpersonal tension within the community. The effect of the sun rising over the horizon after an extended period of twilight is described as uplifting with an almost immediate improvement in morale and wellbeing often reported.
While the literature has given much attention to the demands (negative effects) of these isolated, confined and extreme environments, there is increasing attention being given to the saluogenic (positive) effects of living and working in these environments (e.g., Blight & Norris, 2018). Many expeditioners report their time in Antarctica to be a life-changing experience and talk about the friendships made and the personal and professional growth they have experienced – a broader world view, enhanced self-confidence, greater patience and tolerance, and newly acquired skills are commonly spoken about. Expeditioners will often talk about ‘ice getting in their blood’ with an ongoing attraction to the unique Antarctic environment and the experiences that it offers; this is evidenced each season with around 40 per cent of expeditioners on Australian research stations having participated in at least one previous expedition.
The transition home
There is no template for how expeditioners will experience the transition home following an extended period on an Antarctic research station (Australian Antarctic Program Separation Guide; bit.ly/2KAdJPk). Each individual will adjust to life at home differently and there is no defined timeframe for this to occur; it may take a few weeks, a couple of months or even longer as expeditioners move through the reunion period with family and friends and reintegrate back into normal roles and responsibilities. This could be influenced by a number of factors including the amount of time that an expeditioner was away, what may have changed at home in their absence, the experience while in Antarctica, and a returning expeditioner’s personal circumstances.
It can also be affected by things such as how easy the returning expeditioner and their family find it to re-establish a routine and renegotiate roles and responsibilities, how long it takes to reconnect with friends, secure employment etc., as well as the extent to which the returning expeditioner has kept up-to-date with what was happening at home while they were away. The experiences of an Antarctic expeditioner returning home are not that dissimilar to the experiences of military personnel following a deployment.
Within the Australian Antarctic Program, the transition home is supported through the conduct of psychological debriefs that provide an opportunity for returning expeditioners to reflect on and provide feedback about their experience, screen for potential re-adjustment/transition issues, and allow for both targeted and general psychoeducation to assist in preparing the expeditioner for their return home and journey through the reunion and reintegration phases.
Front over Casey - Todor Iolovski
Returning home to a COVID-19 world
Until December 2020, Antarctica had remained COVID-19 free1. While expeditioners in Antarctica can intellectually understand the impact of COVID-19 through media, and contact with family and friends, they have not directly experienced the event. When many expeditioners headed to Antarctica towards the end of 2019, COVID-19 was not part of our vocabulary and the world they are returning to is very different to the world they left 12 months ago – there are new rules for day-to-day living that they must learn and new social norms to adjust to upon their return home.
While we have become quite used to not shaking hands or hugging outside of our intimate relationships, sanitising our hands as we walk into a shop, keeping our distance from others and wearing masks, these will be new experiences for our returning expeditioners. While we’ve stayed home, or had limits on the number of people allowed in our homes or with whom we could socialise, expeditioners have continued to eat together in large numbers and participate in communal social events without number restrictions. Terms that have become part of our everyday language such as ‘social distancing’, ‘flattening the curve’ and ‘contract tracing’ are unfamiliar to a returning expeditioner. Life in Antarctica (particularly over the winter season) continued pretty much as normal with no real impact on day-to-day activities.
Preparing expeditioners for their return home in light of COVID-19 has required additional work to help them to understand and adjust both psychologically and practically to the world they are returning to. In response to the pandemic, the returning cohort have expressed concerns about the health and wellbeing of their family and friends back home; concerns about their own health and risk of contracting COVID-19; uncertainty about employment opportunities upon return, and concerns about learning the new rules and how they will adjust. From those preparing to return home, a comment made on more than one occasion has been to the effect of “we’ll be the ones that others are abusing for standing too close”. While a comment meant in jest, there is a sense that it reflects their unease about what the experience will be like returning to a world impacted by COVID-19.
Alongside emphasising the need to take time to adjust, and follow the lead of immediate family and friends that they are reuniting with, preparation for returning home has also focused on helping expeditioners to understand the psychological and practical demands that have been placed on their family and friends. The significant people in their lives have experienced something that they haven’t been a part of, and the returning expeditioner may not fully understand or appreciate the adjustments made in response to COVID-19 which can increase the sense of unfamiliarity and disconnection that expeditioners may experience when returning home. It’s also likely that family may have sheltered their loved ones in Antarctica from the full impact of the pandemic knowing there was little they could do; only upon return home will the expeditioner fully learn of the impact. This is a cohort that will warrant continuing attention and support as they navigate their return home and transition back into an unfamiliar COVID-19 environment.
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1 COVID-19 was reported on a Chilean station on 21 December 2020. At the date of submission, Australian research stations remain free of COVID-19.