tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6538917798088258920.post1964790240754742291..comments2008-11-13T11:36:43.986-08:00Comments on PsychoBabble: Online Therapy: Cyberspace Meets Outer SpaceEmily Oettingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16657334753349750268noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6538917798088258920.post-25463451693797780512008-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:002008-11-06T11:43:00.000-08:00The mental state of our astronauts is a serious co...The mental state of our astronauts is a serious concern given the importance of their work, and the amount of American tax dollars that put that person into space. I was not even aware that astronauts had a history of being depressed in space, though it does make sense considering the long missions, and limited human contact. Some sort of communication needs to be opened up to keep from inflicting lasting damage on their psyche. In my opinion, some sort of therapy is necessary for these astronauts, and I’m surprised that it hasn’t already been addressed. The idea of having pre-programmed answers in a computer program seems unsympathetic, while bringing a psychologist along may be too much action. The idea of having email correspondance dedicated to the sake of mental health seems to be the most viable action to take. While it may be more expensive, it also could benefit the astronauts considerably if they could speak on the phone to a therapist, or video chat. Another possible solution is to train the astronauts in therapeutic techniques so that they can be each other’s psychologists to some degree. This strategy is probably already being implemented to some degree, but it would be important to emphasize the psychological aspect to greater effect. The idea of virtual therapy, if effective, can easily be transmitted to the rest of the virtual world. It could be a very important asset to those who can’t afford the high rates of in-person therapy, but no matter how effective it can be, I think that a major part of the importance of therapy comes from the doctor –patient relationship. How effective do you think the form of virtual therapy created by Dr. Hegel will be? Do you see this technology moving on to be available to the masses in some form? Either way, I enjoyed your post and found your thoughts posed to either blog to be very interesting. As someone who knows very little about psychology, I’ve learned quite a bit just from reading your blog.Michael Eckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11495962993802126963noreply@blogger.com