Even in the early series I was stunned that so called certified therapists and psychologists were endorsing the project, there was little regard in my book for the potential psychological harm caused. The Australian version was completely whack in regards to both the matching and the wellbeing of the contestants. My father loved it and I really suffered being forced to watch to maintain rapport with him while caring for him as I knew a lot of it was edited and staged and frankly insulting to my intelligence.
I have a huge problem with TV psychologists/therapists. They appear to get away with crossing professional (as well as publicly making dubious assertions around the data of a topic) lines in a way they just wouldn't be allowed to in private practice. This really stood out during the Letby saga. I think regulations need to be tightened around their ethics and conduct in the media and I really hope any therapists involved in this program around the time these women were sexually assaulted are called to explain themselves. And if misconduct is found, their licences need to be revoked.
Because most certainly a lot of the pressure on these women to continue in the program when they were uncomfortable would have been a result of disappointing the 'experts'. A sort of 'white coat syndrome'. The experts are telling them it is good to have sex to make the project work, increase bonding and telling them the science says, making them doubt themselves in a way they wouldn't if the advice had come from a non- professional. But the variables and conditions of the so-called 'experiment' aren't as closely controlled as they would be in a real experiment.
It reminds me of old psych experiments on coercion a lot of which are deemed highly unethical now.
In any case, it's a total misuse of professional authority.
A terrible situation. To think the audience was enjoying it unaware. How vile.
All need to be held accountable. Producers, therapists, perpetrators.
As for Reality TV, it cannot die fast enough. I doubt it will though.