Mapping of Stressors in the Work of Expeditionary Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR)

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR) conducts expeditions to Antarctica, where military and civilian are exposed to stressors. The present research mapped the environmental, occupational and interpersonal stressors perceived by PROANTAR participants. A sample of 38 people, separated into two groups, was evaluated at the beginning and end of an expedition. The results obtained through questionnaires and interviews indicated the prevalence of environmental (60.71%), occupational (23.80%) and interpersonal (15.47%) stressors at the beginning, and interpersonal (55.97%), environmental (32.08%) and occupational (11.94%) stressors at the end. The results suggest that the forced coexistence generates the perception of interpersonal stressors overlapping environmental ones. Psychological phenomena should be considered in the planning of future expeditions, as they are related to health and performance of activities.