Universal values, coping strategies, and motive images of astronauts at the International Space Station

• Main Author: Brcic, Jelena
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/12344

Value hierarchies, coping patterns, and motivations of International Space Station (ISS) astronauts were examined in the present set of studies. Thematic content analysis was applied for references to above psychosocial markers in narratives (media interviews, journals, and oral histories) of 46 astronauts from the ISS expeditions. Results revealed that the five most mentioned universal values were identified as Achievement, Security, Benevolence, Universalism, and Self Direction. In regards to coping strategies, astronauts are more likely to use problem-oriented than emotion-oriented strategies. The top three coping strategies astronauts relied on were Seeking Social Support, Planful Problem Solving, and reference to Luck. In addition, astronauts were most likely to seek support in the form of personal information from their crew and ground control. Astronauts were most likely to be motivated by Achievement followed by Affiliation and Power. The role of leadership aboard the station was also examined. It was concluded that commanders were most likely assuming the supportive leadership role. The findings have important implications in understanding crew relations prior to and during the mission.