Morale

Morale is important to the function of a settlement on Mars. Colonists with high morale will be more productive, and more inclined to remain on Mars. People require certain basic things such as safety, shelter and nourishment before they can be happy. Even if the basic needs are met, there are still things the settlers would miss, but there are many other methods to improve morale. In preparation of a future manned Mars mission the Mars-500 project served to find out more about the psychological situation during the long journey to Mars and it's isolation effects. Mars simulation installations are in regular usee as well.

Morale Boosters

• Perceived Future Safety and Security
• Varied Food
• Personal Space
• Self Determination
• Social Interaction
• Recreation
• Contribution to Society and satisfaction by the results
• Education opportunities
• The presence of children changes the way the settlers are thinking and planning. It gives them any reason to build the settlement safer, bigger, etc.

Morale Depressors

• Perceived Future Danger
• Social Conflict
• Crowding
• Isolation
• Accidents
• Social incidents
• Resource Shortage
• Crime
• Some people are depressed by the dimmer light in winter (seasonal depression disorder). Mars during summer has light levels like Earth's winter, and during Mars winter this is worse. Having very bright lights in some or all areas of the habitat will help this.