Behavioral Monitoring and Evaluation for the Delivery of Interactive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (B-MEDIC)

Crew behavioral health and performance are of high importance, especially for long duration exploration missions. Early detection of stress and effective options for restoration and enhancement of behavioral health are imperative for accomplishment of mission objectives and for maintaining a productive spaceflight environment. To address the behavioral health issues during exploration missions, the NASA Behavioral Health and Performance Program Element (BHP) is looking for a non-invasive technology that would unobtrusively, and with minimal crew time and effort: monitor physiological markers of stress; offer countermeasures for maintenance and restoration of behavioral health; and identify methods to prevent decrements in behavioral health. The primary goal of this project is the development of a tool to provide Behavioral Monitoring and Evaluation for the Delivery of Interactive Cognitive behavioral therapy (B-MEDIC). During Phase I we will provide an analysis of measures and technologies for physiologically monitoring, assessing and treating stress; and provide requirements for the technological enhancements necessary to produce B-MEDIC. By the end of Phase II, our multi-disciplinary team proposes to develop a functioning prototype of B-MEDIC to address the following gaps outlined in the BHP Integrated Research Plan (July 2010): BMED1, BMED2, and BMED6. (Phase I TRL: Beginning 1, End 3)