The newest host of The Bachelor, Jesse Palmer, shared about the importance of psychologists for the series' cast. After Chris Harrison's departure from the franchise, ABC has been in search of the best candidate (or candidates) to take over the role of host for the popular reality dating series. From celebrity host appearances on Bachelor In Paradise to Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe taking over hosting duties on The Bachelorette, the franchise has gone through a season of transition over the past year.
While finding a host for the series has been integral to the success of The Bachelor, the franchise has also had a number of complaints about the cast's mental health while on the show. Former bachelor Clayton Echard has shared about his mental health struggles while on the series, specifically mentioning his body dysmorphia and stress from fan criticism. Colton Underwood has also shared about his grievances with the series in regard to mental health, lacking support after being on The Bachelor. Now a topic of conversation, the cast appears to be opening up about the complications of the series and the impact this has on their mental health and well-being.
According to Showbiz CheatSheet, Jesse talked about the franchise hiring psychological professionals and how necessary they are for the leads, contestants and everyone involved. With intense schedules and even worse comments from fans, being a lead or contestant within the franchise is no easy task. Jesse explained that the franchise has "psychologists always there in the moment talking to the Bachelor and Bachelorette and contestants to keep everyone as mentally healthy as possible." While Bachelor Nation has complained about mental health after the series and the show's lack of resources, Jesse shared that ABC has made mental health care "a massive priority." He also explained that the service provided has improved a great deal over the years as producers learn what the cast needs to be successful on the series. With plenty for producers to improve, the series appears to be aware of the steps they need to take for the benefit of their cast members.
Supportive of the higher standards of health care provided by the series, Jessie appears to be championing the cry for support and help for the series cast. With the psychological provisions made by the series, the cast has the opportunity to "work through the stress" they encounter on the show and prepare to deal with vicious fans who "hate them." Most recently, Clayton expressed concerns over mental health, but the show appears to be accommodating the needs of the cast. Jesse ended by explaining how the series has navigated this specific need and has made the series safer for participants.
Heavily influenced by social media, The Bachelor franchise has become a dangerous place for cast members with barrages of harmful comments online. While some of this is out of production's control, they have continued to address the concerns about the series. Moving forward, fans will certainly be on the lookout to see how the series deals with future mental health concerns for its cast members.
Source: Showbiz CheatSheet