Mood States at 1600 and 4300 Meters High Terrestrial Altitude,
Abstract
Personal anecdotes imply that ascent to high altitude causes mood changes such as depression, apathy, and drowsiness. Also, behaviors at high altitude suggests that people are more argumentative, irritable, or euphoric. Since there are few systematic and quantitative studies assessing the effects of altitude on mood; this study assessed mood at two different altitudes and times of day using a standardized scale. Self-rated moods were twice daily using the Clyde Mood Scale with 19 males and 16 females. Baseline (control) mood states were determined at 200 m. Moods were then assessed at 4300 m with one group and at 1600 m with the second group. Friendliness, clear thinking, dizziness, sleepiness, and unhappiness were affected at 4300 m. Only sleepiness changed at 1600 m. At altitude mood changes were different from baseline the day of arrival (1 - 4 hours), most severe after on day (18- 28 hours), and back to baseline levels by day 2 (42 - 52 hours). Few time of day (morning - evening) differences were found. Therefore, this mood scale appears useful for assessing the effects of different altitudes on mood states. Keywords: Psychological attitudes; Interpersonal relations; Emotions; Psychological stress; Acclimatization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 09, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA180535
Entities
People
- Barbara L. Shukitt
- Louis E. Banderet
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine