Keeping Your Cool: A Case Study of a Female Explorer's Solo North Pole Expedition

ObjectiveThis study explored stress and coping experiences during a solo expedition to the North Pole using concurrent and retrospective methods.MethodsA 47-year-old female explorer, with 12 years of polar experience, completed a daily diary during the expedition. On return, 2 semistructured interviews were completed to identify the challenges and coping efforts perceived as being most pertinent during her expedition.ResultsInductive coding identified 4 broad stressors, including environmental conditions, personal challenges, supporting resources, and expedition progress.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of expedition preparation in establishing coping efficacy in managing the extreme demands placed upon polar explorers. Findings also evidence idiosyncrasies in the choice and application of coping strategies and, thus, highlight the need to avoid generalizations regarding coping outcomes.