Positive Experiences and Personal Growth in a Two-Man North Pole Expedition Team

Abstract

This study assessed personal values and positive growth experiences, possible changes in these factors, and interpersonal functioning in a two-man expedition team that successfully reached the North Pole in 55 days without outside support. Personality measures were administered before expedition, weekly rating forms were completed on the ice, and semi-structured interviews and several repeat measures were carried out at the end of the expedition and at a 6-month follow-up. Both team members had high scores on the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) Social Closeness, Social Potency, and Positive Emotionality Scales, and on the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) Extraversion Scale. The Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) findings indicated that for both team members, Self-direction and Stimulation were strong personal values; Power, Tradition, and Conformity were low on the values hierarchy. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) assessments indicated different aspects of personal growth for each team member from postexpedition to the follow-up. Contrary to previous findings, this all-male team did not exhibit strong competitiveness with each other.