[4] His archival and field research studied the reactions and adaptation of crews in the Antarctic, the Canadian High Arctic, and space vehicles.
His methodology has included laboratory experiments in profound stimulus reduction, fieldwork in the Antarctic and the High Arctic, and interview and questionnaire studies with Holocaust survivors, prisoners in solitary confinement, and astronauts.
More recently, he has been developing and applying methods of quantitative content analysis to archival material produced by individuals in those groups, as well as solitary sailors, early explorers, mountain climbers, and high-level political and military leaders in situations of personal, national, and international stress.
The research has demonstrated that changes in integrative complexity[10] can be used to forecast the outcome of international crises (peaceful negotiation or war) as well as individual successes and that political leaders tend to be effective “cognitive managers” who direct resources as important problems need to be solved.
His major findings indicate that contrary to professional prognoses and despite some long-lasting adverse consequences, Holocaust and other survivors generally do not suffer from full-blown post traumatic stress disorder, and lead productive, successful, and satisfying lives within circles of families, friends, and colleagues.