Chapter 2: The Perilous Psychology of Isolation and Confinement

                Ever since I have been little, I have had great anxiety which made me what to understand myself more. This led me to love the concept of psychology and learning everything about it. When reading through the first couple chapters of, Packing For Mars, I have found chapter two to be the most intriguing. Chapter two is all about the psychology experiments and tests that they astronauts have to go through in order to be allowed in space or receive funding.  In the book, it stated that, “the crew have been paid 15,000 euros each to be subjects in a battery of psychology experiments aimed understanding and counteracting the baneful effects of being trapped in a small, artificial environment with roommates you did not choose” (43). I knew from previous documentaries that astronauts have to go through vigorous medical treatments and tests to make sure they are healthy enough for space and that they also had to go through countless hours of simulations to prepare for the launch. I was unaware that they had to be tested psychology and mentally, too.

                Having such an interest in psychology made me really focused in on this chapter and what the crew members had to deal with. “..You lock people in a box with no privacy and not enough sleep and depressing food” (45) is a statement made about one way they test the crew members. Being around crew members you didn't know, you would think would start controversy and problems. One crew member stated, “Our personal training allowed us to avoid any conflict. Reactions to emotions were really respectful and really, really polite” (46). I think it’s amazing how one can step their emotions aside for their job. I work at a hospital and there is always controversies about everything. Not to mention the drama and gossip that takes place during only an 8 hour work shift. It’s hard to believe that they can keep all personal thoughts aside in a three month period of time. Dealing through this isolation experiment shows the agencies that these astronauts have the characteristic to be able to adapt to any situation rather than trying to change it completely. This means they can handle to close living spaces, with no privacy, and that they are emotional stable to deal with certain situations that could come about.

                Having psychology tests and experiments completed before the launch are so important. It could be the matter of life or death for everyone on the space shuttle if someone were to have a mental breakdown. Knowing how someone reacts in stressful situations can detect signs for mental breakdowns, anxiety, or even depression in someone that might think they are mentally strong. Overall, this chapter was the most striking to me because psychology is something that I find very interesting.