Psychological interview data of expectations and perceptions and mood data from people working and living in Antarctica

The effects of expectations regarding living and working at Scott Base was investigated with the main aim to examine the impact of mismatches between expectations and perceptions on the mood of personnel at specific times of the year. Furthermore, the differential dimensions along which Scott Base personnel structure their expectations and perceptions was described. The winter over staff were interviewed five times during their year long stay; before their deployment, shortly after their arrival in Antarctica, prior to the station closing in February, during the Winfly period (August) and just prior to their return to New Zealand. Participants were prompted for their physical and psychological expectations and mood data was collected using the Bipolar Profile Of Mood Scale. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis and standard generalised linear model statistical techniques. The results will lead to the better understanding of the influences on the quality of Ice experience as well as informating the theoretical connection between anticipation, actual perception and emotional experience.