SENSORY MONOTONY AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ADAPTATION PROCESSES OF ASTRONAUTS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF SPACE NUTRITION

Abstract

The ability of astronauts to maintain both physiological and psychological performance during long-duration space missions depends on the adaptability of their bodies and minds to extraordinary conditions such as microgravity. Limited food variety and repetitive meal routines in space can alter taste and smell perception, leading to reduced appetite and menu fatigue. Moreover, social isolation may negatively affect astronauts’ morale and complicate psychosocial cohesion within the crew. This study aims to examine sensory perception changes in astronaut nutrition under microgravity, the potential psychological effects of menu fatigue, and the multifaceted roles of meals in social interaction contexts. The research was conducted using a comprehensive literature review, a qualitative research method. The reviewed articles and reports addressed themes including space nutrition experiences, changes in taste and smell perception, menu fatigue, psychosocial impacts and technology-assisted interventions such as augmented reality and telematic dining. The findings indicate that technology-based solutions hold significant potential to mitigate the negative effects of social isolation and support individual well-being. Accordingly, this study highlights the importance of holistic nutritional planning for future long-duration missions and the development of strategies to enhance astronauts’ overall well-being.

Keywords

• Space Nutrition
• Microgravity Conditions
• Menu Fatigue
• Sensory Perception Change
• Psychosocial Adaptation and Mission Motivation
• Technology-Supported Nutrition

UZAY BESLENMESİ ÇERÇEVESİNDE ASTRONOTLARIN DUYUSAL MONOTONLUK VE PSİKOSOSYAL UYUM SÜREÇLERİ

Abstract

Uzun süreli uzay görevlerinde astronotların hem fizyolojik hem de psikolojik olarak görevlerini sürdürebilmeleri, beden ve zihnin mikrogravite gibi olağan dışı koşullara uyum sağlayabilme kapasitesine bağlıdır. Uzayda sınırlı gıda seçenekleri ve tekrarlayan beslenme rutinleri tat ve koku deneyimini etkileyerek iştahın azalmasına ve menü monotonluğuna yol açmaktadır. Bununla birlikte sosyal izolasyon koşulları astronotların moralini düşürebilir ve ekip içi psikososyal uyumu zorlaştırabilir. Bu çalışmada, mikrogravite koşullarında astronot beslenmesinde duyusal algı değişimlerinin, menü yorgunluğunun sebep olabileceği psikolojik etkilerin ve sosyal etkileşim bağlamında yemeğin çok yönlü işlevlerin incelenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden birisi olan kapsamlı literatür taraması kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Literatürde yer alan makale ve raporlar, mikrogravite ortamında beslenme deneyimleri, tat ve koku algısı değişimleri, menü yorgunluğu, psikososyal etkiler, artırılmış gerçeklik ve telematik sofralar temaları üzerinden kapsamlı biçimde incelenmiştir. Ayrıca, literatürdeki veriler, teknoloji temelli uygulamaların sosyal izolasyonun olumsuz etkilerini azaltmada ve bireysel iyi oluşu desteklemede önemli bir potansiyele sahip olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Bu doğrultuda çalışma, gelecekteki uzun süreli görevlerde beslenme planlamasına ve astronotların genel iyi oluşunu destekleyecek stratejilerin geliştirilmesine ışık tutmaktadır.

Keywords

• Uzay Beslenmesi
• Mikrogravite Koşulları
• Menü Yorgunluğu
• Duyusal Algı Değişimi
• Psikososyal Uyum ve Görev Motivasyonu
• Teknoloji Destekli Beslenme

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