Unpacking the Motivation Behind Wintering at
Polar Stations
The Extreme Workplace
Polar stations, whether in the Arctic or Antarctica, offer conditions that are both isolated and confined. Imagine living in a remote, harsh environment where communication with the outside world is limited, and comforts like going out with friends or taking a two-week leave from work are nowhere in sight. In exchange, one must navigate difficult terrain, protect themselves from the cold, cope with disrupted circadian rhythms due to the lack of sunlight, and, in the north, also watch out for polar bears. Despite these challenges, thousands of people choose to work in these extreme settings every year. Our study focused on those who "winter over"—that is, remain at these stations during the most severe part of the season.
© Paola Barros-Delben
Why Stay? Three Key Motivators
We conducted a study that included both quantitative and qualitative components. We received 86 responses from winterers, including 22 women and 64 men. Winterers came from ten countries – Poland (N = 39), the USA (N = 19), Brazil (N = 18), New Zealand (N = 3), Germany (N = 2), France (N = 1), Sweden (N = 1), India (N = 1), South Africa (N = 1), United Kingdom (N = 1). In an open-ended question, they described their motivation to work in these unique conditions. The thematic analysis revealed the three most frequently indicated reasons in the whole sample why people choose to endure the polar winter:
Challenge and Adventure (N = 36)
The thrill of overcoming extreme challenges is the most common motivator. For many, the idea of testing oneself in an environment where every day brings new obstacles is both exciting and rewarding. Whether it’s the physical challenge of moving safely across icy terrain or the mental challenge of adapting to an isolated life, the spirit of adventure is a powerful draw.
1.)
Unique Life Experience (N = 16)
For some, wintering in a polar station is about collecting a unique life experience. These winterers value the opportunity to live in one of the most remote places on Earth, where the landscapes are breathtaking and the natural phenomena—like the mesmerizing aurora or the vast, icy expanse—offer experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
2.)
Performance of the Job (N = 15)
Finally, a significant number of winterers are motivated by a strong sense of professional commitment. They see their work at the polar station as an important contribution to scientific research or prove their country’s greatness. For these individuals, the chance to perform their job under such unique conditions is both a professional challenge and an opportunity to stand out in their field.
3.)
Diverse Motivations Across Borders and Backgrounds
Interestingly, our study also found that motivations can differ depending on where the winterers come from. For example, while explorers from Poland, the United States, and many other countries are primarily driven by the challenge and adventure of the environment, those from Brazil often cite personal development as a major motivator. An interesting case is the motivation of “contributing to a greater cause”, which is primarily present among Brazilian winterers. This suggests that cultural and national backgrounds play a role in how people view extreme work environments.
Gender differences also emerged in our findings. Although both men and women are drawn by the excitement of adventure, women in our study more frequently mentioned the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the polar environment. Men, on the other hand, tended to emphasize more scientific experience, personal and professional development, financial issue and other motivations. Beside challenge and adventure the top three drives for female participants are experience polar natural phenomena, curiosity and exploration and fulfillment of a dream, while for male participants – unique experience, performance of job and personal development.
Why It Matters
Understanding what motivates people to work in such extreme conditions is more than just an academic exercise. These insights can help improve how polar stations select their staff, plan pre-expedition training, and provide support during the mission. In the long run, a better understanding of these motivational factors could lead to safer and more fulfilling experiences for those working at the frontiers of human exploration. As our world continues to change, and as polar regions become increasingly important both environmentally and geopolitically, studies on human adaptation to polar conditions will only grow in significance.
If you’re curious to learn more about the detailed findings of this research, feel free to check out the full scientific article or reach out for further discussion! https://journals.pan.pl/dlibra/publication/150027/edition/131734/content
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Agnieszka Skorupa is a psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. Her research focuses on individual differences and human adaptation to extreme environments, including polar and space isolation. She leads psychological research at the Lunares analogue habitat and is PI of the AstroMentalHealth project funded by the European Space Agency. She also co-develops psycho-educational projects using film. More at: www.psychology-extreme.com & www.psychologiaifilm.edu.pl