The Psychology of Survival in the Series Eternaut: Analysis by Olena Shershneva

Netflix's new series "Ethernaut" is not just about science fiction and disaster. It's a story about how we behave when the world goes upside down. What is triggered inside us: fear, aggression, strength, love?

Together with psychologist Olena Shershneva, LIGA.Life learned about the human psyche in extreme circumstances, why some people run away and others are saved, and what helps to remain human, even when it seems that there is no hope left.

Why do some people unite and help in extreme conditions, while others isolate themselves or even harm others?

Olena Shershova explained that whether a person will unite with others in extreme conditions or, conversely, oppose themselves to them, depends mainly on the basic attachment patterns that are formed in childhood:

— If a child had a secure attachment, then in adulthood he will also build healthy relationships with people and in difficult situations will tend to unite with others. If a secure attachment has not been formed, then extreme conditions can cause a desire to be alone, to oppose everyone, to show aggression and other destructive behavior patterns.

Does a person's "true essence" really manifest itself in crisis circumstances?

— Yes, indeed, in extreme circumstances, social masks fall off, imposed socially acceptable behavior disappears, and a person appears real — with his instincts, deep values, beliefs, and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is in extreme conditions that we can see both those around us and ourselves as real. And sometimes this can evoke pleasant emotions, and sometimes it can scare or even repel, because our inner shadow is not always pleasant. But, in the end, it is also a resource — an opportunity to get to know both others and ourselves better, — the psychologist answers.

How the "friend-stranger" mechanism works in extreme conditions

The psyche is arranged in such a way that in extreme situations we perceive reality in a much simplified way. The nuances and deep analysis disappear, and only black and white judgments remain – "ours" or "others'", "good" or "bad". On the one hand, the psyche protects us in this way, because in a stressful situation there is often no time for reflection. But on the other hand, such a simplified perception can lead to serious mistakes, says Olena Shershneva:

— Therefore, in extreme conditions, it is worth returning to an adult position, not reducing everything to superficial criteria — for example, if a person speaks the same language, this does not guarantee that he is "one of ours". We are not immune from the fact that we may be faced with a fraudster or even a criminal. Therefore, it is important to maintain the ability to analyze and not rely only on intuition — it is better to logically and thoughtfully determine who you can really trust.

What makes a person risk themselves for the sake of others?

— Various factors can prompt a person to take risks for the sake of others: beliefs, values, upbringing, empathy, the desire to demonstrate heroism — both to others and to oneself. Sometimes it can also be the inability to survive a situation in which I did not help. After all, then I can be overcome by feelings of guilt or regret that are difficult to cope with. Each of these motives, despite the external self-sacrifice, is often based on the desire for one's own psychological comfort. After all, in the end, the one who helped usually feels morally better than if he had stayed away, — says the expert.

How does fear change our morality? Is it really "survival of the fittest" in danger – and who is it: physically or emotionally strong?

Olena Shershneva explained that if a person lacks psychological resilience, fear can literally return them to an instinctive, almost animal level. In such a state, values change, norms of behavior are violated, and a person is guided only by basic instincts:

— But if psychological resilience exists, then a person not only tries to survive on their own, but also takes care of those around them — organizes survival for themselves and for others. This is their dual strength. So we can say that it is not so much the physically strong who survive, but the morally strong — those who have internal psychological resilience.

What is the difference between panic and healthy fear? How to prevent emotions from paralyzing yourself or your team

— Fear is constructive, panic is destructive. Fear is a signal of danger, a reminder that certain measures need to be taken to protect yourself. Panic, on the contrary, paralyzes — it is an explosion of uncontrolled emotions that never brings any benefit. Therefore, if you feel panic, you must definitely use techniques to reduce it, because it only harms. But fear is worth listening to — it helps you orient yourself and act consciously, — says Olena Shershneva.

How to recognize when emotions start to drive decisions

If you feel tension in your body, think in black and white categories – "good" or "bad", if your attention is narrowed and impulsive, you are probably making decisions under the influence of emotions, the psychologist explains:

— To return to an adult, mature position, you can use grounding techniques. These can be breathing exercises, focusing on what you see, hear, feel by touch, as well as talking about the situation out loud – to someone close to you or even to yourself. Self-reflection also helps: what am I feeling right now? Is what I am doing good or bad for me? Will what I am planning to do help me or not? Such talking and understanding of the situation, focusing on the present moment helps to lower the emotional level and return to balanced decisions and control over the situation.

What internal resources or mechanisms help you maintain hope when the situation seems hopeless?

And how can we support others when we ourselves are having a hard time?

— When there is almost no hope left, it is important to find meaning. Meaning for living, for acting — as Viktor Frankl wrote. It is worth finding your own meaning. Take small steps, do not try to solve all the problems of the world at once, but gradually move towards your goals. Be close to your loved ones — not imposing your help on them, but simply showing an example of how you can hold on even in the most difficult circumstances with your presence, support, and your own inner state. And do not forget about rest — this is also an important part of resilience, — says Olena Shershneva.