Psychology’s role in supporting the mental health of reality TV participants

The recent announcement that BPS member and chartered psychologist Dr Matthew Gould has been appointed to advise on the show, particularly looking at the duty of care to contestants and the specific risks that might arise with a show format, was a welcome move.

We are pleased to see the seriousness with which ITV is taking its duty of care and that the expertise of psychologists is being drawn upon within these situations.

Speaking about his role, Dr Gould said:

The first thing to say is that mental health professionals have supported ITV productions for many years.

My role is a little different to providing 'hands-on' support directly assessing and managing the welfare of programme participants.

It is an overarching one for the company and productions. I advise on specific risks that might arise with a particular format and how to manage situations when issues occur.

ITV has a framework for mental health and wellbeing and risk assessment guidelines for productions. I provide specialist risk advice when the company needs it.

I have been occupied with setting standards for the type of psychological support offered and the registered health professionals needed to deliver those services, not just in the UK but internationally.

I have been supported by ITV to develop an international network of mental health professionals working on high-risk productions to share best practice and participate in quality improvement initiatives.

With the profile of Love Island, and the nature of the show, it can throw up different challenges to working in other show formats, says Dr Gould:

The most important starting point is for the production to complete a risk assessment.

The format of the show is certainly relevant and can lead to a different risk classification.

However, there are many other important risk factors to consider such as cultural issues, level of media interest, public expectation and legislation.

I support productions in the UK, US, Europe and other countries in which ITV has a presence.

In my view what they all share in common is that duty of care is evolving and this is why mental health professionals will continue to play an important role, whether advising at the corporate, production or individual level.

Professor John Oates, chair of the BPS Media Ethics Advisory Group, added:

I am pleased to see that the new Ofcom guidance on duty of care for contributors is being taken seriously by reality TV producers.

The BPS guidance 'Psychology and Media Productions', referenced by Ofcom, shows how psychologists can help to ensure ethical working through all stages of broadcast production, including aftercare.