Challenges and perspectives of research and psychological intervention in the antarctic environment

Abstract

Isolated, confined, and extreme environments are natural laboratories for behavioral studies. Antarctica provides one of the most hostile environments in the world for human psychophysiology and survival. The objective of this study is to identify the challenges and perspectives for research and psychological intervention in the Antarctic environment. The method was an exploratory-descriptive ethnographical study based on (a) evidence from literature related to research and psychological intervention in Antarctica and (b) an empirical qualitative study of the interaction of expeditionary members with the Antarctic environment, using interviews and a welcoming attitude of positive attention, at the beginning and end of a summer mission to Antarctica. Civilians and military personnel from two ships, as well as the Brazilian Antarctic station participated. Results: The main challenges encountered in the research include the limitations of the setting and the unpredictability of the context. The study identified that exposure to the Antarctic environment influences the emergence of interpersonal conflicts, alcohol consumption, harassment behaviors, and negative feelings of affection. Conclusion: The insertion of psychologists in Antarctica shows a con-crete opportunity for research and intervention, with expected repercussions on the health and professional performance of expeditionary members.