Resolution of Psychosocial Crises Associated with Flying in Space
- Paper number
IAC-10.A1.1.1
- Author
Ms. Jelena Brcic, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Coauthor
Dr. Peter Suedfeld, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Coauthor
Ms. Katya Legkaia, University of Victoria, Canada
- Year
2010
- Abstract
Erikson (1950) proposed a theoretical basis for healthy psychosocial development. Theoretically, there are eight critical conflict situations throughout one’s lifetime resulting in favourable or unfavourable resolution. Autobiographies, memoirs, interviews, personal diaries, and oral histories of 110 international astronauts were content analyzed to assess reported resolutions of Erikson’s psychosocial crises. We made comparisons across flight phases (before, during, after), gender, nationality of home agency, historical era of spaceflight, flight experience, family status, initial occupation, and position within the crew. Astronauts reported more favourable than unfavourable outcomes across flight phases and demographic variables. Differences across demographic variables and flight phases, as well as psychosocial changes as the result of the flight, were observed and will be discussed in detail.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-10.A1.1.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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