Psychologists say Pop Idol put-downs are dangerous

Psychologists have expressed concern about the long-term effects on Pop Idol contestants of the put-downs handed out by judges.

Dr Mallory Wober, of the London School of Economics, says in the most serious cases the humiliation could lead to the breakdown of relationships.

Professor Cary Cooper, from the University of Manchester, adds the increase in abusive put-downs by the judges is "worrying", reports the Daily Express.

One 22-year-old - whose audition was shown on ITV last weekend - was told her performance was horrendous, while another contestant was told he was the worst singer in London.

Dr Wober said: "Many of these people enter the show without any form of safety net.

"They have gone through a process of reinforcement about their ability from family and friends and the show's recruiters.

"The cost of inflating someone's egos, where the game is to give the worst insults, is very dangerous."

Professor Cooper said there are many participants who will be able to give as good as they get. "But for another group these put-downs are devastating in the long-term."

A spokesman for Pop Idol said: "This business is very harsh. It is better to be honest in the long-run so these people don't delude themselves."