TAG | Computer program to combat astronaut depression could help people on Earth |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Thursday, 21 August 2008 | |
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Page 3 of 3 U.S. psychologist Peter Suedfeld, from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, is looking into the analogy of past explorers here on Earth and future explorers in space. Thus, Suedfeld and other psychologists are analyzing the diaries, logs, and letters from explorers here on Earth to help understand how they dealt (or didn’t deal) with isolation, boredom, and other experiences while on their long journeys. Thus, the NASA program is also being geared to treat depression in earthbound people working and living in isolated areas. For instance, the NPF website states, “Depression is widespread, and effective treatments are not available to all persons who have it. This computer-based depression treatment, with simple modifications and revisions, could be adapted for use in other isolated, operational environments, such as polar research stations, submarines, commercial ships, oil rigs and underwater research facilities.” It goes on to say, “Furthermore, even greater value could be derived by making similar psychosocial support systems available to the public in settings such as primary care practices, public and mental health centers, schools, social services offices, places of worship, military bases, prisons, and eventually at home or in any location, through broadband Internet.” The work by these scientists was presented at the American Psychological Association’s 116th Annual Convention held in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., on August 14-17, 2008. Four of the APA presentations were: Marc Shepanek: "Preparing for the Psychological Stress of Long-Duration Space Missions” James Carter: "Computer-Based Psychosocial Support for Long-Duration Spaceflights" Phyllis Johnson: "Living in Space: Creating a Home Away From Home” Peter Suedfeld: "Uses of History: Space Analogues Revisited"
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