Psychological Effects of Maintenance on Survival Rations

Abstract

To test the effect on various sensory, manipulative, and MMPI tests, 13 military men voluntarily lived for 24 days on the all-carbohydrate equivalent of survival rations, caloric intake reduced from 3200 to 1010 per day. Results show that men in good physical health and physical training, with free access to water, salt, and vitamin supplements, are able to undergo moderate physical exercise in a moderate climate without disabling alterations in performance or morale for the 24-day period employed.