Am J Psychiatry 1987; 144:703-709
Copyright © 1987 by American Psychiatric Association
Psychological and interpersonal issues in space
N Kanas
As future manned space missions become longer, and as crews become more
heterogeneous, psychological and interpersonal factors will take on
increasing importance in assuring mission success. On the basis of a review
of more than 60 American and Soviet space simulation studies on Earth,
along with reports from U.S. and Soviet space missions, the author
identifies nine psychological and seven interpersonal issues, which are
discussed along with pertinent research findings and examples from manned
spaceflights. He concludes that more psychological and interpersonal
research should be done under actual spaceflight conditions and offers
suggestions.
