Working in extreme environments: The implication of psychosocial characteristics on stress and recovery trajectories

Abstract

This longitudinal study applies a person-centred approach to examine stress and recovery trajectories, as well as differences in psychosocial work characteristics among wintering personnel in Antarctica and Sub Antarctica polar stations. Over the course of a one-year wintering mission, 133 participants from five stations were monitored. Participants completed questionnaires assessing job demands, decision latitude, as well as peer and hierarchical within the first days of their deployment. Additionally, they reported their levels of stress and recovery at four points throughout the mission. Findings indicate significant variations and two different trajectories for stress and three distinct trajectories for recovery over the duration of the mission. Furthermore, analyses reveal associations between psychosocial work characteristics assessed in the first month and subsequent evolutions of stress and recovery levels. These results underscore the importance of workplace conditions and social support in extreme environments, with implications for stress management and well-being of workers during wintering.