Space Psychology: What Astronauts Can Teach Us About Clear Thinking
- Sharife Gacel
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Disclaimer: These articles are written by a licensed mental health professional, and the content in these articles is evidence-based and well-researched. Still, it isn’t a substitute for professional care. Think of this content as a supplement to getting support from a qualified provider.
When we think about space exploration, the images that often come to mind are rockets, planets, and astronauts floating in zero gravity. But behind the technology and training lies one of the most important elements of any mission: the human mind. Our brains are incredible at finding shortcuts. These mental pathways help us process information quickly and make decisions under pressure. But sometimes these shortcuts, known as cognitive distortions, can lead us to inaccurate, unhelpful, or even harmful conclusions. The good news? Just as astronauts train their bodies and skills, we can train our minds. Thanks to neuroplasticity, repeated practice allows us to rewire old patterns into healthier ways of thinking.
Common Cognitive Distortions
Here are four of the most common patterns:
Catastrophizing
Jumping straight to the worst-case scenario.
Everyday example: “I have a headache. It must be a brain tumor.”
All-or-Nothing Thinking
Seeing things only in extremes, like success or failure, good or bad, with no middle ground.
Mind Reading
Assuming you know what others are thinking, usually in a negative way about you.
Everyday example: “They didn’t say hi. They must not like me.”
Personalization
Taking responsibility for things that aren’t yours to own.
Everyday example: “My friend is upset. It must be my fault.”
How Analog Astronauts Experience Distortions
Analog astronauts, people who live in simulated space habitats to prepare for real missions, face the same distortions, often amplified by stress, isolation, and confinement.
Cognitive Distortion | Everyday Life Example | Analog Astronaut Example | Healthier Reframe (Evidence Technique) |
Catastrophizing | “I made a mistake at work. I’ll get fired.” | “The water pump malfunctioned. The mission is ruined.” | “This is a technical issue. We have backup procedures and support. Let’s troubleshoot step by step.” |
All-or-Nothing Thinking | “If I can’t run 5 miles, I’m out of shape.” | “If I don’t complete this EVA perfectly, I’m a bad crew member.” | “Performance has shades of success. I contributed, learned, and can improve next time.” |
Mind Reading | “My friend didn’t text back. They must be mad at me.” | “Mission Control sounded short in their message. They must think we’re incompetent.” | “I don’t know their thoughts. Maybe they were rushed. Let’s ask for clarification.” |
Personalization | “My partner seems sad. It must be my fault.” | “Crewmate is quiet today. I must have upset them.” | “There are many reasons for their mood. I can check in, but I don’t have to own it all.” |
Analog missions highlight how unchecked thinking patterns can affect teamwork and problem-solving. By practicing reframing, crews develop healthier communication and resilience, skills that are just as useful on Earth as they are on Mars.
The Evidence Technique
Astronauts are trained to pause, gather data, and check assumptions. We can use the same approach in our daily lives.
When you catch yourself in a cognitive distortion, ask:
What’s the evidence for this thought?
What supports it?
What contradicts it?
What’s a more balanced perspective?
This technique is not about ignoring your thoughts. It is about creating space for a more accurate, realistic perspective to emerge.
Training Your Mind, On Earth and Beyond
Whether you are an astronaut on a simulated Mars mission or someone navigating everyday stress, the challenge is the same: how to respond to your thoughts in a way that keeps you steady, flexible, and resilient.
By practicing the skill of identifying and reframing cognitive distortions, we strengthen our mental “muscle memory.” Over time, our default response shifts away from panic or self-blame and toward curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
And just like preparing for space exploration, this kind of mental training takes repetition, but the payoff is a mind better equipped to handle life’s unknowns.
Practice Section
Identify the Thought
Think of a recent thought that feels distressing. My thought:
Name the Distortion
Which type does it fit? (Catastrophizing, All-or-Nothing, Mind Reading, Personalization).
Find the Evidence
Evidence for:
Evidence against:
Reframe the Thought
A more balanced perspective might be: