ABSTRACT
Interpretations of the curious behavior observed in shipwrecked sailors, prisoners of war, and even of Admiral Byrd in the Antarctic usually have emphasized the role of isolation in the changes of behavior observed. Isolation may be stress inducing for some people and stress reducing for others. Explanations of isolation effects have included psychodynamic process change, disturbance of social interaction patterns, and individual difference reactions, among others. Flotation appears to be a possible effective intervention for several health conditions. Time for each float was up to 60 minutes and the runs were usually about 1 week apart. Flotation may have its effect, at least in part, by providing a comfortable environment in which such cognitive restructuring can occur. A distinct possibility exists that neurotransmitter changes are associated with the flotation experience. These in turn may bring about cognitive or behavioral changes.
