Diving under the influence : issues in researching personality and inert gas narcosis
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Via Medica
Abstract
Background: This paper considers the relationship between measures of personality and mood states,
and susceptibility to inert gas narcosis. It briefly reviews the topics of inert gas narcosis affecting personality,
and personality affecting the susceptibility to inert gas narcosis. There appears to be is a theoretical
argument for a possible relationship between measures of personality, mood states, and susceptibility to
narcosis. Practically, such a relationship may speak to issues in selection, training and preparation, risk
assessments, and even accident investigation in the diving and/or hyperbaric environment.
Materials and methods: Twenty one divers completed measures of personality and mood states, and were
then compressed to 709 kPa (equivalent to 60 msw) in a dry compression chamber, where they completed
a task measuring speed of information processing, and a scale measuring subjective narcosis.
Results and Conclusions: The main finding was the absence of any significant correlations between measures
of personality traits and mood, and susceptibility to inert gas narcosis. Although the study found
no evidence of any major relationship, it is presented as a case study to highlight some of the issues and
pitfalls involved in such research. The lessons learned — including the careful defining and describing of
concepts, and choosing of samples and measurements — are used to discuss some of the methodological
and conceptual issues and future directions for researchers to consider.
Description
CITATION: Van Wijk, C. H., Martin, J. H. & Meintjes, W. A. J. 2017. Diving under the influence : issues in researching personality and inert gas narcosis. International Maritime Health, 68(1):52-59, doi:10.5603/IMH.2017.0009.
The original publication is available at https://journals.viamedica.pl/international_maritime_health
The original publication is available at https://journals.viamedica.pl/international_maritime_health
Keywords
Divers -- Psychology, Hyperbaric oxygenation, Inert gas narcosis -- Testing, Narcosis -- Susceptibility
Citation
Van Wijk, C. H., Martin, J. H. & Meintjes, W. A. J. 2017. Diving under the influence : issues in researching personality and inert gas narcosis. International Maritime Health, 68(1):52-59, doi:10.5603/IMH.2017.0009