Individual Attributes, Values, and Goals of an All-Military Women Antarctic Expedition

Abstract

BACKGROUND: While participation of women in the military has increased, research on performance of female teams engaged in arduous physical activity in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments remains sparse. METHODS: A team of six British military women completed the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Brief Form, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and Personal Values Questionnaire (PVQ) prior to embarking on an expedition that traversed the Antarctic continent. Questionnaires were completed weekly on the ice; repeat of the PVQ and individual semistructured debriefing interviews were carried out within 9 d post-expedition. RESULTS: Personality findings indicated a generally well-adjusted group with notable individual differences in personality and personal values. Positive affect and camaraderie among teammates was evident throughout, although pace vs. distance in the strategy of the daily trek was a continuing point of tension. Honesty in communication was viewed as key to team effectiveness. A significant post-expedition decline in the tradition value (Pre M = −0.55, SD = 0.99; Post M = −0.82, SD = 1.12) and an increase in the conformity value (Pre M = −0.26, SD = 0.46; Post M = 0.18, SD = 0.27) was found. DISCUSSION: Congruence in personal and team goals among group members engaged in highly challenging activities is crucial for optimal team performance. Presence of two highly dominant individuals has a negative effect on team dynamics. Application of study findings to space exploration is considered.

Relations Between Daily Events, Coping Strategies and Health During a British Army Ski Expedition Across Antarctica

“…In common with results from similar Polar expedition studies, we found positive affect generally higher than negative affect across the entire expedition period (Blackadder-Weinstein et al, 2019; Kjaergaard et al, 2015; Leon, Sandal, Fink, et al, 2011). Daily reports of physical and psychological health were correlated (e.g., higher fitness scores were associated with lower reports of negative affect), highlighting the interdependency of the physical and psychological experience.…”

“…Although researchers have previously examined the physical and psychological function of Polar travelers (e.g., Anton-Solanas, O’Neill, Morris, & Dunbar, 2016; Blackadder-Weinstein, Leon, Norris, Venables, & Smith, 2019; Gifford et al, 2018; Leon, Sandal, Fink, & Ciofani, 2011), few studies have explored the situational or day-to-day dynamics that may explain variability in their experience. Studies conducted to date have rarely explored the interrelations between the events encountered, the reaction to those events, and the consequent impact upon physical and psychological health (for exceptions, see Kahn & Leon, 1994; Leon, Kanfer, Hoffman, & Dupre, 1991).…”

“…This means staying physically fit, by avoiding injuries and ensuring appropriate calorific intake, and regularly experiencing positive mood and emotions (Palinkas & Suedfeld, 2008). Studies of Polar expedition teams suggest that in general individuals do tend to maintain good levels of physical and psychological health (Atlis, Leon, Sandal, & Infante, 2004; Blackadder-Weinstein et al, 2019; Gifford et al, 2018; Leon, Sandal, Fink, et al, 2011). Weekly ratings of positive affect, for instance, tend to be scored higher than negative affect across time spent in the field (see Leon, Sandal, & Larsen, 2011).…”

“…Despite expeditions often being marked by positive features, Polar expeditioners have also referred to experiencing a range of harmful and threatening incidents during their travels. This includes injuries and illnesses (Leon & Venables, 2015), poor weather conditions (Smith et al, 2017), equipment loss and malfunction (Suedfeld et al, 2017), and experiencing tension with teammates (Blackadder-Weinstein et al, 2019). Such negative events have been associated with decrements in performance and health, including impaired decision-making (Atlis et al, 2004), interpersonal conflict (Corneliussen, Leon, Kjærgaard, Fink, & Venables, 2017), and irritation and mood disruption (Leon, Sandal, Fink, et al, 2011; Suedfeld et al, 2017).…”

“…Problem-focused strategies aim to resolve a stressful encounter directly, whereas emotion-focused strategies are mobilized when a person appraises that nothing can be done to change the situation. Common problem-focused strategies used by Polar expeditioners include actively solving problems as they occur (Suedfeld et al, 2017) and engaging in more effortful behavior (Blackadder-Weinstein et al, 2019). Emotion-focused methods that are regularly endorsed include trying to relax (Leon, Sandal, Fink, et al, 2011), emotion suppression (Wagstaff & Weston, 2014), sharing concerns and seeking support (Blackadder-Weinstein et al, 2019; Devonport, Lane, & Lloyd, 2011), viewing the situation in a positive way (Kjaergaard et al, 2015), and relying on humor (Corneliussen et al, 2017).…”