Extreme Psychology in Brazil? Experience Report and Perspectives of Action from Antarctica to Space

Abstract

Extreme psychology is still emerging. This field investigates the psychological, behavioral, and social effects of human exposure to remote areas or isolated, confined, and extreme environments at different stages: before, during, and after activities. This personal and professional account presents experiences over a decade in onboard operations, at a polar station, and in air operations in Antarctica, in addition to a stay in confinement in an artificial habitat simulating the Moon. The article discusses the limits of academic training in Brazil and the lack of policies for research and psychological practice in highly complex contexts. I propose mechanisms for the consolidation of Extreme Psychology as an interdisciplinary spatialization. Reflections are also brought about on the techniques and structure appropriate for psychological work in extreme situations, with an emphasis on the barriers faced by women in occupying leadership positions.