TV psychologist breaks down all the tests Love Island hopefuls take during application stages

A reality TV psychologist has broken down all the different tests and stages hopefuls will go through when completing the application for shows such as Love Island. Let’s just say, it’s a lot.

The Love Island application is long, and contracts are then given to successful Islanders in the weeks prior to flying out to the villa. After the application, there are multiple auditions and phone and Zoom calls with the producers. As well as this, hopefuls will be given both phsyical and mental health evaluations, and warned of what can come from appearing on such huge, and scrutinised, shows.

Steven Stein, a psychologist who during his career has consulted on shows such as Big Brother and Bachelor in Paradise, has shared his knowledge of these processes, and what they actually involve. He said the wannabe cast members will be put through psychological testing, and multiple screenings before being allowed to go on the show.

via ITV

Speaking to UNILAD, Steven said: “Mental health support during and after the show has been found to be very important. When I started working in this area over 20 years ago, support was rarely provided postproduction. I work on many shows now where I provide weekly support, debriefing upon exit, and follow-up when the show actually airs.”

As well as follow up support, a lot of the big tests come way before a show has even started. “The pre-show psychological screening usually includes a battery of psychological tests, demographic profile, and an interview with a psychologist,” Steven explained.

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Pre-casting tests also include: A mental health screening, substance use and abuse tests, stress tolerance assessments, and an assessment of emotional intelligence. “For example, we may assess anger expression, cognitive intelligence, stress coping strategies, etc,” he added.

He noted it’s important to find out why someone wants to be on the show they have applied for, as fame and new work opportunities isn’t guaranteed, and can dry up.

“As part of the selection process, I always ask candidates why they are motivated to be on the show,” Steven said. This may give a contestant the chance to open up on about any fears they have regarding life after the show, and Steven said a main fear is often “being defined by something they say or do in anger.”

He added: “It’s not easy to be fully in control of everything you say or do while under surveillance 24-hours a day with pressure as part of the game. More and more candidates try to prepare for this.

“Those who care about whether they are perceived negatively spend time focussing on how they can prevent this. It’s not easy to be fully in control of everything you say or do while under surveillance 24-hours a day with pressure as part of the game.”

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