Crew communication styles under regular and excessive workload

Abstract

Within the frame of Russian space experiment “Content” aboard International Space Stations (ISS), semantic characteristics of 15 Russian cosmonauts' communication with Mission Control Center (MCC) were studied using content analysis. Revealed individual differences in cosmonauts' communication led Russian Mission Control specialists to the assumptions about existence of individual communication styles, expressed under stress. Methodology based on the concept of V. Satir was applied for their definition. Specific features for each style were defined with the help of P. Suedfeld's coping styles approach to the speech content analysis. Predominance of three main communication styles (“computing”, “blaming” and “placating”, as per Satir) was detected in cosmonauts' communication. Comparison of individual communication styles during days with nominal and increased workload confirmed their relative stability under moderate and increased stress. An increase of “blaming” and “placating” style features in cosmonauts' communication may require additional psychological support from MCC.