Affective health and countermeasures in long-duration space exploration

Gatti, Matteo; Palumbo, Rocco; Domenico, Alberto Di; Mammarella, Nicola

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09414

Cited by 23 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 129 publications

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“…The relevance of positive emotions and affective health in healthy aging is capturing the attention of many researchers from the space sciences domain as well [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. In fact, given the above mentioned parallel between aging and astronauts’ health, and in line with the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions [ 4 ], pleasant emotions may also mediate successful adaptation to interplanetary missions, such as by magnifying individual stress resilience traits.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Protective Role of Neurogenetic Components in Reducing Stress-Related Effects during Spaceflights: Evidence from the Age-Related Positive Memory Approach

Mammarella

Gatti

Ceccato

et al. 2022

Life

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Fighting stress-related effects during spaceflight is crucial for a successful mission. Emotional, motivational, and cognitive mechanisms have already been shown to be involved in the decrease of negative emotions. However, emerging evidence is pointing to a neurogenetic profile that may render some individuals more prone than others to focusing on positive information in memory and increasing affective health. The relevance for adaptation to the space environment and the interaction with other stressors such as ionizing radiations is discussed. In particular, to clarify this approach better, we will draw from the psychology and aging literature data. Subsequently, we report on studies on candidate genes for sensitivity to positive memories. We review work on the following candidate genes that may be crucial in adaptation mechanisms: ADRA2B, COMT, 5HTTLPR, CB1, and TOMM40. The final aim is to show how the study of genetics and cell biology of positive memory can help us to reveal the underlying bottom-up pathways to also increasing positive effects during a space mission.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Protective Role of Neurogenetic Components in Reducing Stress-Related Effects during Spaceflights: Evidence from the Age-Related Positive Memory Approach

Mammarella

Gatti

Ceccato

et al. 2022

Life

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“…It has been defined as a “weak form of perception” ( Pearson, 2019 ) able to generate a weak form of experience, with all the neural, physiological, and psychological correlates of real perception. The primary function of imagery is to simulate reality by analyzing actions and situations’ consequences and it seems able to amplify conscious and unconscious human functions, sustain decision-making, problem-solving and even to exert control over emotions ( Taylor et al, 1998 ; Moulton and Kosslyn, 2009 ; Mammarella, 2020c ; Gatti et al, 2022 ). Due to its special features, mental imagery has been used across multiple disciplines, e.g., clinical psychology, sports and rehabilitation sciences, to cite only few.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulating Extreme Environmental Conditions via Mental Imagery: The Case of Microgravity and Weight Estimation

et al. 2022

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Mental imagery can be used for recreating an extreme environment experience. Here we assessed whether microgravity effects over cognition, that typically occur during a space mission, may be reproduced via mental imagery. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions in which they were guided to imagine to be (1) in outer space or (2) in a nature scenario and subsequently estimate the weight of common objects. We found that only for those who engaged in a space scenario imagery, there was a decrease in object weight estimation compared with a prior rating. This finding is the first to indicate that the effects of weightlessness on cognition can be simulated via an imagery-based technique and add to the ongoing debate about the importance of trying to disentangle the effect of microgravity alone on human performance. Moreover, our findings ultimately suggest that imagery can be used as a less expensive simulated scenario for studying the impact of extreme environmental conditions over astronauts’ cognition and behavior.

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“…Beyond digital countermeasures, a range of other health and well-being countermeasures for space are being developed and tested, such as mindfulness training courses [ 36 ]. For LDSE, these programs may eventually be translated in their entirety or at the very least augmented with some kind of digital element (eg, refresher training) [ 37 ].…”

Section: System Typesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Off-World Mental Health: Considerations for the Design of Well-being–Supportive Technologies for Deep Space Exploration

Smith¹,

Peters²,

Jay³

et al. 2023

JMIR Form Res

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During future long-duration space exploration missions, humans will be exposed to combinations of extreme physical, psychological, and interpersonal demands. These demands create risks for the safety, performance, health, and well-being of both individuals and crew. The communication latency in deep space means that explorers will increasingly have to operate independently and take responsibility for their own self-care and self-management. At present, several research programs are focused on developing and testing digital technologies and countermeasures that support the effective functioning of deep space crews. Although promising, these initiatives have been stimulated mostly by technological opportunity rather than cogent theory. In this perspective, we argue that digital technologies developed for spaceflight should be informed by well-being–supportive design principles and be cognizant of broader conversations around the development and use of digital health applications, especially pertaining to issues of autonomy, privacy, and trust. These issues are important for designing potentially mission-critical health technologies and may be determining factors in the safe and successful completion of future off-world endeavors.

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Affective health and countermeasures in long-duration space exploration

Cited by 23 publications

References 129 publications

The Protective Role of Neurogenetic Components in Reducing Stress-Related Effects during Spaceflights: Evidence from the Age-Related Positive Memory Approach

The Protective Role of Neurogenetic Components in Reducing Stress-Related Effects during Spaceflights: Evidence from the Age-Related Positive Memory Approach

Simulating Extreme Environmental Conditions via Mental Imagery: The Case of Microgravity and Weight Estimation

Off-World Mental Health: Considerations for the Design of Well-being–Supportive Technologies for Deep Space Exploration

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