Dr Jelena Brcic (University of the Fraser Valley)Title: Reported Psychological Growth Following Work in Extreme and Unusual Environments: Role of Perceived Stress and Coping
Abstract: There are psychological, biological, and sociological constructs that emerge within extreme and unusual environments (EUE) that cannot be studied elsewhere. Post-Experience Change (PEC), which is significantly modelled after Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), is one such aspect. PTG it is defined as a positive psychological change as a result of psychological struggle ensuing trauma. Changes can be experienced in perceptions of self, changes in interpersonal relationships, and in the meaningfulness of life (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996; Triplett et al., 2012). We believe that prolonged experiences in EUEs, which are not traumatic but are meaningful, can have a positive impact and lead to life changes experienced by expedition members.
To understand the full deployment experience, growth possibilities, and to identify the situational impact on the personnel in EUEs, a study of stress perception and coping strategies is essential. Work in this domain of stress and coping has been plentiful across many EUEs (Leon, Sandal, & Larsen, 2011; Nicolas et al., 2013; Suedfeld et al., 2009, 2012, 2015).
This presentation will examine stress, coping, and PEC in expedition members from three different EUE groups: long-duration astronauts, winter-over crew working on an Environment Canada weather station in Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, and rescue teams from BC Search and Rescue and Royal Canadian Search and Rescue organizations. Discussion will be around the impact of mission duration, the extremeness and uniqueness of the environment, and the type of positive impact the experiences had on expedition members.
Bio: Dr. Jelena Brcic is an Associate Professor at the University of the Fraser Valley’s School of Business. She is an expert in the study of teams in extreme “workplaces”; among which are the International Space Station, the Canadian Artic, and the BC wilderness. Dr. Brcic is trying to understand how these extreme teams deal with adversity, maintain resilience, build their own culture, and solve problems. Informed by her research, she also teaches classes on how to build great teams in typical organizations and how to lead happy, satisfied employees. When she isn’t working, she is exploring the local beaches and mountains with her husband, two boys, and a Labrador Retriever named Buzz.