Personal growth and values in a 90-day head-down bed rest experiment

The current study aimed to understand potential positive changes in 36 healthy male participants who successfully completed a 90-day head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR) experiment, which was designed as an analog for space missions. During the HDBR experiment, participants were isolated from their family members and friends, and were confined to individual beds in the laboratory. We expected that overcoming such stressful conditions would result in participants experiencing a sense of personal growth and re-evaluation of their personal values. To investigate this, we applied the widely used Post-Experience Change Inventory (PECI) and Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ). The results showed that all participants demonstrated significant personal growth. The scores on Spiritual changes and Relating to Others were even higher than those reported by retired cosmonauts after space missions. Participants also re-evaluated their personal values to adapt to the unusual and extreme circumstances. They had increased scores on subscales relating to Power and Tradition during the experimental period. This may indicate an increase in focus on social status and social expectations, which may stem from their motivation to contribute to space missions. Participants also reported higher scores on Stimulation, which may indicate their requirements for personal enjoyment in an isolated and confined environment, especially when they were immobilized in their beds. Overall, the study suggests that participants can gain significant personal growth and reflect more on their personal interests as a result of the challenging HDBR experiment.