Honors Projects

Abstract

As modern societies research and prepare for long-duration deep space travel, psychological research becomes increasingly prevalent into understanding the effects of trauma on the psyche. This present study looks at the current research outcomes of “Team Dynamics”, “Social Isolation”, and “Resource Scarcity” within the literature of Space Psychology. Current research on social isolation is taken from past missions in outer space and analog missions in Antarctica, at sea, and prison research. While research is vast on social isolation, it doesn’t consider how trauma could be intensified with both time and duration in space. Next, when considering team dynamics and how social cohesion and cooperation limits stress, research suggests a diverse team and social support prevents traumatic events with potential gaps and limitations in legislation and in group selection limiting astronauts with disabilities from being chosen for deep space missions. Finally, resource scarcity is not considered as much as it should be, however, nutrition for astronauts and poverty studies allows insights into modern considerations and problems for space travel. Overall, while trauma is not mentioned explicitly in most of the studies reviewed, stress is openly considered in most fields in space psychology related to future long-duration space travel. Further literature reviews should consider other facets of IO psychology, legality, ethical issues, and AI assistance.

Department

Psychology

Major

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Andrew J. McNeill

First Advisor Department

Physics and Astronomy

Second Advisor

De. Sheri Wells-Jenson

Second Advisor Department

English

Publication Date

Spring 4-27-2026

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