Self-Esteem and the Trapped Chilean Miners

In August 33 Chilean miners were unexpectedly trapped about half of a mile underground in a Chilean desert after a mine collapse. They were found, but not rescued at the end August. Now the biggest challenge to rescue the miners isn't getting them food and water until the drill teams can reach them, but keeping them psychologically healthy. The biggest concern is the miners' self-esteem. Many psychologists from NASA and other agencies are stressing the importance of the miners' newly created community, so that every miner has a daily task and responsibilities. This structure could provide the need for self esteem outlined in the textbook, "people are inherently social animals and that the desire for self-esteem is driven by this more primitive need to connect with others and gain their approval" (Kassin 67).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11096936

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/09/07/chile.miners.rescue/