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Crewmember Interactions in Space

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Handbook of Bioastronautics

Abstract

It is important for space crews to have good interpersonal relationships and open channels of communication. Crewmember interactions can be affected by factors inherent in the mission itself, by individual differences, and by group issues related to culture and family. Good interactions can improve morale, well-being, and the accomplishment of mission goals. Poor interactions can lead to group tension, lack of cohesion, withdrawal and territorial behavior, subgrouping and scapegoating, displacement of negative affect to others, and improper use of leadership. By understanding these interactive issues and developing ways of selecting and training crewmembers to relate better with one another, the chances for mission success are improved, and space travelers can have a more positive experience during their journey.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Nick Kanas

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  1. Nick Kanas
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Correspondence to Nick Kanas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA

    Laurence R. Young

  2. Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Jeffrey P. Sutton

Section Editor information

  1. Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    David F. Dinges

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Kanas, N. (2020). Crewmember Interactions in Space. In: Young, L.R., Sutton, J.P. (eds) Handbook of Bioastronautics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_33-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_33-2

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Crewmember Interactions in Space
    Published:
    12 November 2020

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_33-2

  2. Original

    Crewmember Interactions in Space
    Published:
    05 March 2019

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-10152-1_33-1

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