Expedition factors that may impact the selection process:
(1) duration of the expedition
(2) purpose of the expedition
(3) physical stress and danger
(4) adequacy of supplies
(5) ability to evacuate in an emergency
(6) environmental stressors (extreme cold, prolonged darkness)
(7) physical space that must be shared
Parameters to consider:
(1) age
(2) mental health
(3) social needs
(4) sociability
(5) tolerance
People over 30 years of age are preferred. However, age is no guarantee of mature behavior.
Mental health factors:
(1) emotionally stable
(2) no or little evidence of depression (including seasonal affective disorder)
(3) no or minor signs of neurosis
Social needs:
(1) no great need for social interaction
(2) low demands for social support
(3) not overly assertive
(4) desire for optimistic friends
Socialability:
(1) sensitive to the needs of others
(2) sufficiently socially adept
(3) somewhat introverted (avoid extremes of introversion or extroversion)
Tolerance:
(1) able to tolerate periods of low achievement (or periods of frustration)
(2) able to tolerate periods of little mental stimulation (not bored easily)
(3) able to tolerate disorder (low need for order and not a "neat freak"; this may be a measure for obsessive-compulsive tendencies)
In addition to these psychological factors, other factors need to be considered:
(1) physical condition
(2) overall health
(3) personal hygiene
(4) personal mannerisms and habits (people on long expeditions report problems handling certain ritualistic behaviors shown by other party members such as the number of bites taken when eating food)
