It is well known that high levels of stress can impair judgement and negatively affect job performance. This project examines predictors of stress and coping by examining the physiologic and psychologic responses of people who work in isolated and psychologically demanding environments. The goal is to identify factors that predict how individuals cope and respond to stress, and use the data to help select, train, and support people who work in those environments.

Collaborators

• Brock University, Dept. of Psychology
• Defence Research and Development Canada
• University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health

Latest Updates

July 27, 2009

This summer, the Centre for Learning is running a study at the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP), supported by the Mars Institute and McMaster University's Department of Anesthesia. The purpose of the study is to investigate predictors of stress and coping in an extreme and isolated environment on Devon Island, north of the Arctic Circle. Our participants were both staff and scientists working at HMP from 2-6 weeks. Participants are required to provide salivary samples for cortisol assay, complete a self-report measure of stress, and a personality assessment. Enthusiasm for this project from HMP participants is high, and we have recruited more than expected.

Video Summary of Project