An interactive media program for managing psychosocial problems on long-duration spaceflights.

Abstract

Space crews must be self-reliant to complete long-duration missions successfully. This project involves the development and evaluation of a network of self-guided interactive multimedia programs to train and assist long-duration flyers in the prevention, assessment, and management of psychosocial problems that can arise on extended missions. The system is currently under development and is intended for use both during training and on orbit. A virtual space station 3-dimensional graphic was created to serve as a portal to multimedia-based training, assessment, and intervention resources. Additionally, original content on interpersonal conflict and depression is being developed for the system. Input on the best practices for managing conflict and depression on extended missions was obtained from 13 veteran long-duration flyers, as well as from clinical experts. Formative evaluation of a prototype of the system will be conducted with 10 members of the astronaut corps. Subsequently, the content on conflict and depression will be completed, and the depression self-treatment portion will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Although this study involves developing countermeasures to assist long-duration flyers, it also provides a model that could be applied in many Earthbound settings, both in operational environments and in everyday life.