Experiencing loneliness in extreme professional conditions and ways to overcome it

Context and Relevance. The extreme professional conditions encountered by cosmonauts, submariners, polar explorers, firefighters, rescuers, and other professionals in extreme occupations with a high risk of stress and life-threatening conditions are often accompanied by physical and social isolation and deprivation. These factors cause intense loneliness in professionals, leading to emotional burnout, depression, decreased productivity, and negative mental health consequences. The purpose of this review is to summarize the results of current researches identifying the relationship between factors in extreme professional environments and the experience of loneliness, and to analyze the ways to overcome it. Results. The feeling of loneliness mediates negative costs, limited living space, and extreme stress on psychological well-being and professional performance. It contributes to emotional burnout and the development of depressive and PTSD symptoms, especially during long-term expeditions and disaster recovery. Key tools for reducing the impact of loneliness include team cohesion, meaningfulness, life resilience, and social support. Effective methods for overcoming feelings of loneliness and disorganization of living space include psychological practices of mindfulness and relaxation, peer support programs, and digital communication technologies (VR, AI). Thus, the review highlights the need for a comprehensive, proactive approach to psychological safety in extreme professions, combining individual, team, and organizational resources.

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