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Armed Forces: Psychology

Answer

Research undertaken at the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) has produced evidence which strongly suggests that pre-deployment psychological testing is ineffective and may indeed be counter-productive. Selecting out individuals who might be at increased risk of developing mental health difficulties prior to deployment is considered to be a flawed strategy because, whether one uses clinical interviews or questionnaire-based methods, it is impossible to distinguish reliably between those who will go on to experience psychological difficulties and those who will not.The psychological welfare of troops (which covers well-being as well as mental health) is primarily a chain of command responsibility. Personnel benefit greatly, in terms of mental health, by being within well-led units with good support from their colleagues. However, all personnel are provided with pre-deployment stress management training, for which there is some evidence of effectiveness. We have also successfully introduced an informal peer-led programme known as TRiM (Trauma Risk Management), which is a model of peer-group mentoring and support for use in the aftermath of traumatic events.It aims to empower non-medical staff to spot those who might have been affected by traumatic events in order that their peers and leaders can provide them with appropriate support or, where it is required, refer them for specialist help.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

96786; 541 c651W

Session

2010-12

Related items

Armed Forces: Psychology
Monday, 30 April 2012
Written questions
House of Commons

Subjects

Armed forces Psychology

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk