Dissertation/Thesis Abstract

Biological and psychosocial effects of space travel: A case study
by Hsia, Robert Edward Tien Ming, Psy.D., Alliant International University, 2015, 98; 3687833
Abstract (Summary)

This dissertation interviewed a single astronaut to explore psychosocial issues relevant to long-duration space travel and how these issues relate to the astronaut's training. It examined the psychological impact of isolation, crew interaction, and the experience of microgravity with the goal of increasing understanding of how to foster crew survivability and positive small group interactions in space (Santy, 1994). It also focused on how to develop possible treatments for crews when they transition back to Earth from the extreme environment of space missions. The astronaut's responses agreed with the literature and the predictions for long-duration space missions except the participant reported no temporary or permanent cognitive or memory deficits due to microgravity exposure. The dissertation identified five frequently endorsed themes including communication, environmental stressors, personal strengths, un-researched problems, and other. The agreement found between the literature and astronaut's responses offer a strong foundation of questions and data that needs to be further studied before conducting research in space or long-duration space missions.

Indexing (document details)
Advisor: Heide, Fred
Commitee: Drexler, Michael, Sawamura, Ellen
School: Alliant International University
Department: San Francisco, CSPP
School Location: United States -- California
Subjects: Behavioral psychology, Aerospace engineering, Physiological psychology
Keywords: Astronaut, Extreme environment, Long duration, Microgravity, Space sickness, Space travel
Publication Number: 3687833
ISBN: 9781321657852