Small Groups under Conditions of Relative Social Isolation

Abstract

This paper offers a thoughtful attempt at classification of different types of social isolation, and provides some provocative findings from research on the characteristics of group psychological states and processes during prolonged group isolation in Antarctic research stations. Data are provided and discussed concerning the increase in negative sociometric indexes over a 9-month tour of duty at a base, changes in the desirable attributes of research workers over time, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with workers of different statuses as well as with managers, and an insightful discussion of the unique problems of leaders of isolated groups is pursued. As always, the aim of the applied research is the improvement of both screening and selection of participants in isolated-group teams, as well as the training for group structure to be given those selected.