Psychological screening in the Indian Navy

• Main Authors: Neha Sharma, Rohith R Pisharody, Chaitanya Kodange, Kaushik Chatterjee, Sunil Goyal, Priyadarshee Patra, Puneet Khanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Journal of Marine Medical Society
• Subjects: navy; psychological assessment; psychological screening; submarines
• Online Access: http://www.marinemedicalsociety.in/article.asp?issn=0975-3605;year=2020;volume=22;issue=1;spage=5;epage=8;aulast=Sharma

In the military parlance, screening implies evaluation or investigation of something as part of a methodical survey, to assess suitability for a particular role or purpose. Psychological screening to assess fitness for induction into military service has a long and tumultuous history. From being limited to tests of intelligence, the practice of psychological screening has evolved over the century to now being focused on the assessment of personality and motivation. There are various types of screening tools utilized by the militaries worldwide. They are debatable in their utility in screening out unfit individuals. However they are considered effective in choosing individuals with specific attributes and aptitudes for specific roles within the military. This article reviews the existing system of screening worldwide, derives lessons for the Indian scenario, and the way ahead for psychological assessment in the Indian Navy.