Spitsbergen
What are ICE conditions?
The conditions in the polar regions fall into the category of the so-called extreme environments (EE). EE is an environment in which humans do not function naturally, and therefore complex psychological and physiological adaptation is required to stay there. All EE's are based on the cooperation of man and technology, a man with man and man with the environment, and the effective operation of both individuals and the entire team is an enormous challenge. A particular example of the EE environment is the polar environment, characterized as isolated - confined - extreme (ICE). Polar scientists working in polar stations are separated from the rest of society; they operate in a small space, the leaving of which may be difficult due to extreme weather conditions, including cold and the polar night period.
How do polar stations work?
The beginning of the exploration of the polar regions is called the epoch of heroic expeditions. The Arctic and Antarctic were challenges that few researchers and travellers wanted to meet at the time. Today, exploration of the polar regions is more systematic, and the Arctic and Antarctic are the workplaces of a large group of people.
The polar regions' research takes place mainly through polar stations, buildings or housing containers equipped with their power sources. In many stations, small teams of so-called winterers stay all-year-round, and in the polar summer, many researchers come to live in the stations periodically. In Antarctica, there are 40 year-round polar stations managed by 20 different countries, while in the Arctic, there are 42 active polar stations administered by seven different countries.
Poland manages two polar stations operating throughout the year and several seasonal research facilities. In 1957 started the construction of the Hornsund Polish Polar Station in western Spitsbergen in the Arctic, while in 1977 began construction of the Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station located on King George Island in the Admiralty Bay in Antarctica.
Why do polar explorers need a psychologist?
During the expedition, polar explorers are exposed to extreme conditions, very unique physically and socially. In Polish stations, they form a small group (6-12 people) who live and work together all year round. Periodically, they are socially isolated - no one is staying in the station, except for winterers. They are isolated continuously from most civilization amenities that we are used to daily. They are also exposed to unfavourable environmental conditions, very low temperatures, different from the European solar cycle (polar day and night). Additionally, polar bears pose a threat to humans in Spitsbergen.
Such a specific physical and social space has far-reaching consequences for humans. The physiology and psyche of an individual are changing. Therefore, a psychologist can support participants' recruitment process to select individuals who will best cope with extreme environments. Specialists can also conduct pre-expedition training of human behaviour in ICE conditions or monitor expeditioners wellbeing during the polar station stay. If necessary, they provide psychological support or intervene.
What am I researching?
In my research, I try to determine the factors that affect humans' effective functioning in polar conditions. I focus on individuals and their psychological traits and entire teams with their unique atmosphere and dynamics. Analyzes I set in the context of extreme environmental conditions, which modify individual and group actions to the greatest extend. I am looking for an answer to whether it is possible to select and train people who will function well in the ICE conditions or whether these conditions are so extreme that adaptation to them is situational.
The research results are used by polar explorers and enable better design of recruitment procedures and pre-dispatch training. They are also used in the non-polar world; they are analogous to space missions and sports and travel expeditions. Tips for optimizing teamwork under extreme conditions can also apply to business.
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