Team Effectiveness and Person-Environment Adaptation in an Analog Lunar Habitat.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining psychologically adaptive relationships among team members operating in an isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environment for an extended period continues to be a challenge, with relevance for long-duration missions to the Moon and beyond.METHODS: Two male architects were studied who lived and worked over a 60-d period in a polar ICE environment in a lunar analog habitat they designed and helped construct. Psychological measures were completed at different points of the mission, including a post-mission debriefing interview.RESULTS: Team members were highly different from each other on a number of personality traits, personal values, and stress and coping factors. Marked differences were noted on NEO-PI-3 Agreeableness and Extraversion personality traits, and Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) Stimulation, Power, and Achievement values. Team Effectiveness Questionnaire (TEQ) findings showed consistency between team members with high ratings on the Passion and Commitment and Purpose and Goals scales, and low ratings on the Roles scale. The leveling influence of decision authority and its deleterious effect on interpersonal interactions and work performance was evident. The interior design with attention to materials that made it more Earth-like and the circadian lighting system were associated with ease of work performance and promotion of relaxation and privacy.DISCUSSION: The study findings demonstrated the impact of incompatibility in personality traits and values on team performance, challenges regarding decision authority in a long-term dyadic relationship, and highlighted the human factors components of the habitat that facilitated effective individual and team functioning.Kjærgaard A, Leon GR, Chterev K. Team effectiveness and person-environment adaptation in an analog lunar habitat. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(2):70-78.

Stress and Coping in Extreme Environments: Implications for a Mars Mission

Introduction: There are very few studies of all-women teams performing in highly challenging isolated, confined, and extreme environments. Objective: To evaluate individual stressors, coping methods, and team functioning over an extended highly challenging trek. Methods: Subjects in this study were six British military officers who successfully traversed the Antarctic continent on skis over a 61-day 1700 km trek. The measures administered and their timing were as follows: Pre-expedition - Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Brief Form (MPQ-BF); Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM); Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ); Expedition - weekly rating form (WRF) assessing stress, coping, and team decision making; Post-expedition - debriefing interview and PVQ. Results: The group had high scores on personality scales indicating traits of Achievement, Social Closeness, Absorption (imagination), and Boldness, although individual differences were evident. Subjects gave high ratings to PVQ Hedonism (pleasure), Stimulation, and Self-direction values; the Tradition value was rated low. Subjects reported primarily positive experiences on the ice, and used both cognitive and behavioral coping methods to deal with stress. A salient issue was resolving individual goals among team members vs. team goals in the pace and distance covered each day. Other themes related to the importance of honesty in communication for team success, dealing with friction between two dominant individuals, and proving oneself through the physical challenge. Discussion: The implications of these findings for a Mars mission include the importance of enhancing the effectiveness of both pre-flight training and the countermeasures developed for use during flight to deal with interpersonal and work performance stressors. The effective use of ground-based analogs such as expedition teams operating in challenging and extreme environments is discussed.

Introducción: Existen muy pocos estudios sobre el desempeño de equipos exclusivamente femeninos en entornos muy hostiles, aislados, confinados o extremos. Objetivo: Evaluar los factores estresantes individuales, los métodos de afrontamiento y el funcionamiento del equipo durante una caminata prolongada y altamente desafiante. Métodos: Los sujetos del presente estudio fueron seis oficiales militares británicas que atravesaron exitosamente el continente antártico en un fatigoso recorrido en esquís de 1 700 km y 61 días. Las mediciones administradas y su duración fueron las siguientes: Pre-expedición - Cuestionario multidimensional de personalidad - formulario breve (MPQ-BF); Medida psicopática triárquica (TriPM); Cuestionario de valores (PVQ); Expedición - formulario de evaluación semanal (WRF), que evalúa el estrés, el enfrentamiento y la toma de decisiones colectivas; Post-expedición - entrevista sobre incidentes y PVQ. Resultados: El grupo obtuvo altas calificaciones en las escalas de personalidad relacionadas con los siguientes rasgos: Logros, Cercanía Social, Abstracción (imaginación) e Intrepidez, aunque con evidentes diferencias individuales. Los sujetos otorgaron altas calificaciones a los valores PVQ de Hedonismo (placer), Estimulación y Autodirección, mientras que el valor Tradición obtuvo una baja calificación. Los sujetos reportaron sobre todo experiencias positivas en el hielo, y aplicaron métodos de enfrentamiento tanto cognitivos como conductuales para manejar el estrés. Un problema recurrente fue la conciliación entre los objetivos individuales y los colectivos en cuanto a la velocidad de avance y la distancia que debían cubrir cada día. Otros temas fueron la importancia de la honestidad en la comunicación para lograr éxitos colectivos, el manejo de las fricciones entre dos individuos dominantes, y el probarse a uno mismo mediante el enfrentamiento a retos físicos. Discusión: Las implicaciones de estos resultados para una misión a Marte incluyen la importancia de elevar la efectividad tanto del entrenamiento anterior al vuelo como de las contramedidas elaboradas para su aplicación durante el mismo, con vistas a manejar los factores estresantes en el trabajo y las relaciones interpersonales. Se analiza el uso efectivo de condiciones análogas en tierra, como pueden ser las expediciones que se desenvuelven en entornos hostiles y extremos.

Individual Attributes, Values, and Goals of an All-Military Women Antarctic Expedition.

BACKGROUND: While participation of women in the military has increased, research on performance of female teams engaged in arduous physical activity in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments remains sparse.METHODS: A team of six British military women completed the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Brief Form, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and Personal Values Questionnaire (PVQ) prior to embarking on an expedition that traversed the Antarctic continent. Questionnaires were completed weekly on the ice; repeat of the PVQ and individual semistructured debriefing interviews were carried out within 9 d post-expedition.RESULTS: Personality findings indicated a generally well-adjusted group with notable individual differences in personality and personal values. Positive affect and camaraderie among teammates was evident throughout, although pace vs. distance in the strategy of the daily trek was a continuing point of tension. Honesty in communication was viewed as key to team effectiveness. A significant post-expedition decline in the tradition value (Pre M = -0.55, SD = 0.99; Post M = -0.82, SD = 1.12) and an increase in the conformity value (Pre M = -0.26, SD = 0.46; Post M = 0.18, SD = 0.27) was found.DISCUSSION: Congruence in personal and team goals among group members engaged in highly challenging activities is crucial for optimal team performance. Presence of two highly dominant individuals has a negative effect on team dynamics. Application of study findings to space exploration is considered.Blackadder-Weinstein J, Leon GR, Norris RC, Venables NC, Smith M. Individual attributes, values, and goals of an all-military women Antarctic expedition. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(1):18-25.

Repair of a Giant Omphalocele in an Infant With a Pericardial Implant Crosslinked With Oligourethane.

The giant omphalocele (GO) represents a challenge for the pediatric surgeon in its management and wall abdominoplasty. Here, we report the outcome of a case in which a GO in a newborn patient was repaired with an implant derived from decellularized bovine pericardium crosslinked with oligourethane. The implantation time was extended for 6 months. This was then followed up by the retrieval of the implant and the subsequent reconstruction in a second surgical time by the closure of the abdominal wall fascia. A short hospital stay, early integration into the patient's family environment, as well as early onset of the oral route without special care of the implant or reconstructed wall nor food restrictions were observed. The reduced presence of the complications described in the literature after application of surgical meshes suggests that this implant can be an effective and safe alternative method in the treatment of abdominal wall defects such as GO.

Nutritional composition, antioxidant activity and isolation of scopoletin from Senecio nutans: support of ancestral and new uses.

Continuing with our study characterising Senecio nutans Sch. Bip., we have isolated and identified a simple coumarin, scopoletin, that could be relevant for the biological properties of the species related with the ancestral medical uses. This is the first report of scopoletin from S. nutans. In addition, the extract was analysed for its antioxidant activity using the ABTS and FRAP method as well as providing the first nutritional analyses of this plant from northern Chile highlands.

Individual Traits, Personal Values, and Conflict Resolution in an Isolated, Confined, Extreme Environment.

BACKGROUND: The study of personality traits, personal values, and the emergence of conflicts within groups performing in an isolated, confined, and extreme environment (ICE) may provide insights helpful for the composition and support of space crews for long duration missions. METHODS: Studied pre/post and over the 2-yr period of the investigation were 10 Danish military personnel deployed to stations in Greenland on a 26-mo staggered rotation. Subjects completed the NEO PI-R, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and Portrait Values Questionnaire, and participated in structured interviews. During deployment, questionnaires were completed biweekly and a cognitive function test once a month. RESULTS: Personality findings indicated a generally well-adjusted group, above average in positive personality traits [Conscientiousness T-score = 59.4 (11.41); Agreeableness T-score = 54.4 (9.36)] and boldness. Personal values of benevolence and self-direction were highly rated. The decision when to "pick sides" and intervene during disagreements between group members was viewed as an important component of conflict resolution. There were no changes in positive/negative affect or cognitive function over the annual light/dark cycle. DISCUSSION: The personal values of group members appear highly compatible for living in a small group ICE environment for an extended period. Disagreements between group members impact the functioning of the entire group, particularly in regard to decisions whether to support one of the individuals or let the argument run its course. Extended training in strategies for conflict resolution are needed in planning for future long duration missions to avoid fault lines forming within the group.Corneliussen JG, Leon GR, Kjærgaard A, Fink BA, Venables NC. Individual traits, personal values, and conflict resolution in an isolated, confined, extreme environment. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(6):535-543.

Intraoperative temperature regulation in children using a liquid-warming garment.

PURPOSE: Children undergoing operative intervention while induced under general anesthesia are at risk for experiencing a significant decrease in core body temperature that can lead to adverse systemic effects. Given that the head contributes an estimated 18% of a child's body surface area, we theorized that a liquid-warming garment applied to the head could control a pediatric patient's core body temperature during surgical procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective, non-cranial, general surgical procedures were enrolled in the study. A head garment with an embedded network of tubing was placed on the patient. The garment connected to a computer-controlled water bath that managed the temperature of the water in the tubing through a feedback mechanism. RESULTS: Ten patients with ages ranging from 1 day to 3 years (mean age 10.5 months) were enrolled in this study. The average procedure length was 82.5 min. The mean core body temperature throughout the procedure for all-comers was 36.5 ± 0.9 °C with an overall mean difference in maximum and minimum temperatures of 1.32 ± 1.1 °C. CONCLUSION: A liquid-warming garment applied to the head of pediatric surgical patients is an innovative and relatively low-cost means to regulate and to maintain the ideal core body temperature of patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Fearless Temperament and Overconfidence in an Unsuccessful Special Forces Polar Expedition.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the influence of personality and decision processes on the performance of two-person expedition teams has application for the composition of small teams for planetary exploration and potentially responding to off-nominal situations. CASE REPORT: We studied a two-man Special Forces team with a goal of reaching the North Pole in the shortest amount of time. Both subjects had high scores on measures of leadership/dominance, fearlessness, and achievement, and low scores on harm avoidance (high risk-taking). Differences were noted on scales measuring empathy, agreeableness, extraversion, emotional regulation, and callousness. Individual differences in the primacy of personal values of tradition vs. pleasure-seeking were evident. DISCUSSION: High dominance traits of both team members, incompatibility in other characteristics and values, and minimal pretraining had a significant impact on the decision to abort the trek because of severe frostbite suffered by one subject. Implications for dyads exploring the Mars surface are discussed.

The psychological process of reintegration following a nine month/260 day solo sailboat circumnavigation of the globe.

The focus of this case report is on the psychological reintegration process following the achievement of a highly challenging long-duration and solitary endeavor. The participant was a 29 year old male who successfully circumnavigated the globe during a 260 day solo sailing expedition. We assessed the psychological aftermath in terms of stability and change in personality characteristics and personal beliefs prior to, and at 180 and 360 days after the completion of the journey. Overall, the personality configuration reflected adaptive personality functioning. A belief in an internal locus of control was consistent throughout, as were perceptions of personal growth as a result of the circumnavigation experience. NEO PI-R Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, and Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (Tri-PM) Boldness scores remained stable. Positive personality change was reflected by an elevation in Conscientiousness; negative change by a decline in Agreeableness and an increase in Tri-PM Disinhibition. While overall the participant exhibited positive change as a result of his journey, there were also some negative aspects of the reintegration phase in regard to interactions with other persons. This latter change may be related to the effects of isolation from usual social contacts over an extended period.

Effects of sex and gender on adaptation to space: behavioral health.

This article is part of a larger body of work entitled, "The Impact of Sex and Gender on Adaptation to Space." It was developed in response to a recommendation from the 2011 National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey, "Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical Sciences for a New Era," which emphasized the need to fully understand sex and gender differences. In this article, our workgroup-consisting of expert scientists and clinicians from academia and the private sector-investigated and summarized the current body of published and unpublished human research performed to date related to sex- and gender-based differences in behavioral adaptations to human spaceflight. This review identifies sex-related differences in: (1) sleep, circadian rhythms, and neurobehavioral measures; (2) personality, group interactions, and work performance and satisfaction; and (3) stress and clinical disorders. Differences in these areas substantially impact the risks and optimal medical care required by space-faring women. To ensure the health and safety of male and female astronauts during long-duration space missions, it is imperative to understand the influences that sex and gender have on behavioral health changes occurring during spaceflight.

Relationship of locus of control, psychological distress, and trauma exposure in groups impacted by intense political conflict in Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Social and political instability have become common situations in many parts of the world. Exposure to different types of traumatic circumstances may differentially affect psychological status. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between personal perceptions of control over the events happening in one's life and psychological distress in two groups who experienced physical trauma but differed as to whether the trauma was a result of political upheaval and violence. Views on the extent to which the state was interested in the individual were also assessed. METHODS: The sample consisted of 120 patients who were injured in the Cairo epicenter and 120 matched controls from the greater Cairo area whose injuries were from other causes. The Brown Locus of Control Scale and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL 90-R) were administered approximately three months after the January 2011 start of the demonstrations and subsequent overthrow of the government. RESULTS: The groups did not differ on locus of control. For both groups, externality was associated with greater distress, suggesting a relationship between perceived helplessness in controlling one's life and distress. The Cairo group scored significantly higher than the control group on the SCL 90-R Global Severity Index (GSI) and Positive Symptom Total (PST). Perceptions of state interest in the population were low; overall, 78% viewed the state as having little or no interest in them. Discussion The relationship between exposure intensity and psychological distress is examined. In addition, differences in findings in populations experiencing political chaos compared with other types of disasters are considered. CONCLUSION: Beliefs regarding personal control over one's life circumstances are more closely associated with psychological distress than the circumstances in which the trauma occurred.

El lecho de Procusto o la convención sobre la competencia humana / O leito de Procusto ou a convenção da competência humana / The Procustean Bed or the convention on human competence

El tema de las competencias ha ganado un gran espacio de debate acerca del desarrollo humano en la actualidad. Este ha reeditado su introducción por D. McClelland en la Psicología de los años 70 con nuevas acepciones y usos que no siempre se ajustan a las exigencias de desarrollo de la Psicología como ciencia y profesión y tampoco a las demandas del perfeccionamiento de la educación, uno de los terrenos de mayor aplicación del concepto. El presente trabajo se plantea un análisis al respecto y persigue esclarecer las implicaciones conceptuales y prácticas del concepto. Se arriba a la conclusión, con argumentos diversos, de que el concepto de competencia, por una parte, tiene un contenido convencional que obedece a fines utilitarios e instrumentales, y por otra, que su empleo retrasa el desarrollo de la Psicología como ciencia y profesión. No obstante, el concepto puede ser utilizado en determinadas circunstancias, que son esclarecidas también. Las fuentes utilizadas para el análisis fueron las observaciones de la autora y la literatura publicada que conducen, a la vez, a un análisis histórico y cultural del término.(AU)

A questão das competências ganhou um espaço importante nos debates atuais sobre o desenvolvimento humano. Estes permitiram reeditar o significado dado a este problema por D. McClelland na Psicologia dos anos setenta, com novos significados e usos que nem sempre estão em conformidade com as exigências do desenvolvimento da Psicologia como ciência e profissão, e também não se apresentam suficientes para responder às demandas da educação, como um dos maiores campos de aplicação do conceito. Este trabalho apresenta uma análise sobre o conceito em questão e procura esclarecer suas implicações do ponto de vista crítico. Argumentos diversos permitem concluir que o conceito de competência apresenta, por um lado possui um conteúdo convencional que atende a fins utilitários e pragmáticos e, por outro lado, seu uso atrasa o desenvolvimento da psicologia como ciência e como profissão. Contudo, tal conceito pode ser utilizado em determinadas circunstâncias que são esclarecidas neste artigo. As fontes utilizadas para a análise consistem nas observações da autora e na literatura publicada, o que conduzem por sua vez a uma análise histórica e cultural do conceito.(AU)

The issue of competences has won today a major forum for discussion on human development. The theme was reissued by D. Mc Clelland in the Psychology of the seventy, with new meanings and uses that not always conform to the requirements of development of psychology as a science and profession. Neither it conforms to the demands of advanced education, one of the largest fields of application of concept.In this paper we analyse the issue, attempting to clarify theoretical and practical implications of the concept, from a critical standpoint. We found different arguments, about the the term competence: on the hand, it has a conventional content due to instrumental and utilitarian purposes, and on the other hand, its use delays the development of psychology as a science and profession. However, the concept can be used in certain circumstances, which are also clarified. The sources we use for analysis were the author's observations and the published literatura in the area, leading to a historical and cultural study of the concept.(AU)

El lecho de procusto o la convención sobre la competencia humana / O leito de procusto ou a convenção da competência humana / The procustean bed or the convention on human competence

El tema de las competencias ha ganado un gran espacio de debate acerca del desarrollo humano en la actualidad. Este ha reeditado su introducción por D. McClelland en la Psicología de los años 70 con nuevas acepciones y usos que no siempre se ajustan a las exigencias de desarrollo de la Psicología como ciencia y profesión y tampoco a las demandas del perfeccionamiento de la educación, uno de los terrenos de mayor aplicación del concepto. El presente trabajo se plantea un análisis al respecto y persigue esclarecer las implicaciones conceptuales y prácticas del concepto. Se arriba a la conclusión, con argumentos diversos, de que el concepto de competencia, por una parte, tiene un contenido convencional que obedece a fines utilitarios e instrumentales, y por otra, que su empleo retrasa el desarrollo de la Psicología como ciencia y profesión. No obstante, el concepto puede ser utilizado en determinadas circunstancias, que son esclarecidas también. Las fuentes utilizadas para el análisis fueron las observaciones de la autora y la literatura publicada que conducen, a la vez, a un análisis histórico y cultural del término.

A questão das competências ganhou um espaço importante nos debates atuais sobre o desenvolvimento humano. Estes permitiram reeditar o significado dado a este problema por D. McClelland na Psicologia dos anos setenta, com novos significados e usos que nem sempre estão em conformidade com as exigências do desenvolvimento da Psicologia como ciência e profissão, e também não se apresentam suficientes para responder às demandas da educação, como um dos maiores campos de aplicação do conceito. Este trabalho apresenta uma análise sobre o conceito em questão e procura esclarecer suas implicações do ponto de vista crítico. Argumentos diversos permitem concluir que o conceito de competência apresenta, por um lado possui um conteúdo convencional que atende a fins utilitários e pragmáticos e, por outro lado, seu uso atrasa o desenvolvimento da psicologia como ciência e como profissão. Contudo, tal conceito pode ser utilizado em determinadas circunstâncias que são esclarecidas neste artigo. As fontes utilizadas para a análise consistem nas observações da autora e na literatura publicada, o que conduzem por sua vez a uma análise histórica e cultural do conceito.

The issue of competences has won today a major forum for discussion on human development. The theme was reissued by D. Mc Clelland in the Psychology of the seventy, with new meanings and uses that not always conform to the requirements of development of psychology as a science and profession. Neither it conforms to the demands of advanced education, one of the largest fields of application of concept.In this paper we analyse the issue, attempting to clarify theoretical and practical implications of the concept, from a critical standpoint. We found different arguments, about the the term competence: on the hand, it has a conventional content due to instrumental and utilitarian purposes, and on the other hand, its use delays the development of psychology as a science and profession. However, the concept can be used in certain circumstances, which are also clarified. The sources we use for analysis were the author's observations and the published literatura in the area, leading to a historical and cultural study of the concept.

Surveying the ashes: experience from the 2007 Peloponnese wildfires six months after the disaster.

INTRODUCTION: Major disasters disrupt the infrastructure of communities and have lasting psychological, economic, and environmental effects on the affected areas. The psychological status and community effects of the devastating 2007 wildfires on the Peloponnese Peninsula of Greece were assessed six months following the disaster. METHODS: Adult inhabitants, 18-65 years of age, living in villages affected by the wildfires were selected randomly and compared with a demographically similar group living in neighboring villages that were unaffected by the fires. Regions were chosen based on the extent of fire damage in that area. There were 409 participants in the fire group, and 391 in the control group. Participants completed a questionnaire that included the SCL-90-R symptom checklist, a subjective perception of health status, and a series of items assessing views about current problems, personal values, and trust in different institutions. RESULTS: The fire group scored significantly higher on psychological distress compared to the control group. Both groups viewed their health status in the previous year as better than at the present time. There were few significant differences between groups in the designation of regional problems, attitudes, and values. In the total sample, 41.6% listed unemployment, and 15.0% listed poverty as the most important problem in their region. The Church was indicated as the most trusted institution by 36.7% of the group and the Government by 13.3%. A total of 30.2% did not have a trusted institution. CONCLUSIONS: The hardiness and resilience of the fire-impacted group was evident. However, an improvement in economic conditions is needed to maintain the health and enhance the quality of life of the population living in the Peloponnese region. This improvement likely would have a positive effect on the attitude of trust in government institutions.

Helicobacter pylori HopE and HopV porins present scarce expression among clinical isolates.

AIM: To evaluate how widely Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) HopE and HopV porins are expressed among Chilean isolates and how seroprevalent they are among infected patients in Chile. METHODS: H. pylori hopE and hopV genes derived from strain CHCTX-1 were cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequenced and expressed in Escherichia coli AD494 (DE3). Gel-purified porins were used to prepare polyclonal antibodies. The presence of both genes was tested by PCR in a collection of H. pylori clinical isolates and their expression was detected in lysates by immunoblotting. Immune responses against HopE, HopV and other H. pylori antigens in sera from infected and non-infected patients were tested by Western blotting using these sera as first antibody on recombinant H. pylori antigens. RESULTS: PCR and Western blotting assays revealed that 60 and 82 out of 130 Chilean isolates carried hopE and hopV genes, respectively, but only 16 and 9, respectively, expressed these porins. IgG serum immunoreactivity evaluation of 69 H. pylori-infected patients revealed that HopE and HopV were infrequently recognized (8.7% and 10.1% respectively) compared to H. pylori VacA (68.1%) and CagA (59.5%) antigens. Similar values were detected for IgA serum immunoreactivity against HopE (11.6%) and HopV (10.5%) although lower values for VacA (42%) and CagA (17.4%) were obtained when compared to the IgG response. CONCLUSION: A scarce expression of HopE and HopV among Chilean isolates was found, in agreement with the infrequent seroconversion against these antigens when tested in infected Chilean patients.

Visual analog scales for assessment of thermal perception in different environments.

INTRODUCTION: Subjective thermal perception in stable and dynamic environments has been measured primarily by categorical rating scales. At present, there is an increasing use of visual analog scales (VAS) to assess whole body and body region thermal perceptions in laboratory and other thermal environments. DISCUSSION: The rationale behind the use of VAS is that individuals are more accurate in conveying their subjective experience if they are not forced to make ratings according to numbers or categories. Unipolar scales have the advantage of focusing on a single subjective perception, such as the amount of cold the subject experiences. With bipolar scales (e.g., cold to hot), the sensitivity in measuring the extent of a specific thermal experience may be diminished because the subject needs to make a discontinuous change from one thermal perception to another. CONCLUSIONS: The robust psychometric properties of VAS indicate their usefulness in measuring thermal experience. Unipolar VAS with a large equal interval scoring range will enable the investigator to measure small gradients of change in perceptual experience. However, the subjective perception of thermal status is not highly accurate at thermal extremes, and caution is needed in sole reliance on subjective report in these conditions.

Personality influences on a two-man Arctic expedition, impact on spouse, and the return home.

INTRODUCTION: Two men engaged in a kayak/sled Arctic expedition and their wives were evaluated. This report focuses on personality factors and decisions on the ice, psychosocial effects on those left behind, and the family re-integration process. METHOD: Pre-expedition measures included the Multidimensional Personality Inventory (MPQ) and the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR). Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-expedition and at a 4-mo follow-up. The PAIR was re-administered at the 4-mo follow-up. RESULTS: Significant tension and lack of communication between the two expeditioners was reported in response to the leader's decision to terminate the expedition because of weather conditions and poor progress. The incompatibility of the personality traits and goals of the two expeditioners contributed to this tension. The wives provided positive social support to each other, although the support and concern of their community became stressful. For each couple, both positive and negative changes in partner relationship intimacy were evident at the 4-mo follow-up. There was little consistency between each spouse on the types of changes that occurred. DISCUSSION: Greater attention to and planning for the re-integration process is suggested, with application for the return from other types of challenging endeavors.

Las tareas de la psicología actual en el campo de las ciencias sociales (una aproximación desde el enfoque de la complejidad) / The tasks of contemporary psychology between social sciences (an approach from the complexity standpoint)

En el presente trabajo se aborda el problema de la construcción transdisciplinaria en las ciencias sociales y las tareas de la psicología ante tal exigencia. Se parte tanto de las demandas epistemológicas propias del desarrollo de la teoría científica como de las necesidades de la práctica. La psicología juega un papel importante en tal obra como una ciencia integradora de lo biológico y lo social. El análisis se realiza desde una perspectiva dialéctica acerca del sujeto dentro de su situación social del desarrollo - principio clave de la psicología vygotskiana. El enfoque de la complejidad aporta criterios fundamentales para conseguir tal visión integradora.