New Psychology podcast episode unpacks the mind games of The Celebrity Traitors

In the new episode, Psychologists Dr Clea Wright, Dr Ross Stewart and Dr Kevin Hochard analyse the contestants' behaviour as the competition edges closer to its dramatic final. 

Among the topics explored is the tense "squeaky floorboards" mission, where the team examines how the psychological responses of fight, flight, freeze or fawn can emerge under pressure. Dr Stewart highlights how comedian James Acaster's reluctance to participate in the shield-building task could be interpreted as a classic "freeze" response, suggesting he is struggling with his identity as a Traitor and does not fully want to embrace the role. 

The episode also explores decision-making biases during the challenges. Dr Wright discusses Prospect Theory in relation to Kenny and Maya's performance, examining how perceptions of risk and reward can influence behaviour under pressure. 

The Psychologists turn their attention to one of the episode's biggest talking points, the roundtable banishment of Jerry Hall. Dr Wright uses the concept of Bounded Rationality to explain how contestants make decisions in less-than-ideal circumstances, with limited information and increasing pressure. The team also questions whether eliminating Jerry was simply removing the weakest Faithful. 

Episode eight also sees the team investigate why actor Michael Sheen has survived despite being repeatedly identified as the "leader of the Faithfuls". They analyse a mission in which the Faithfuls unintentionally selected all three Traitors as the most trustworthy contestants, providing a fascinating insight into how trust is formed and maintained within groups. 

The discussion further examines the power of conformity, with Dr Wright exploring research showing that going against the majority can create genuine psychological discomfort, and how this may be affecting Sharon's willingness to challenge prevailing opinions within the group. 

As the series heads into finale week, the trio also make their predictions on how the game will end, including whether the remaining Traitors may sacrifice James Acaster in a final bid to secure victory. 

Dr Kevin Hochard, Head of Psychology at the University of Chester, said: "What makes The Celebrity Traitors such a fascinating programme from a psychological perspective is that it places people in situations where trust, uncertainty and social pressure collide. In these latest episodes we see contestants wrestling with difficult decisions, group dynamics and the challenge of maintaining or concealing their identities. As we head towards the final, the psychological stakes are higher than ever, which makes for a compelling opportunity to explore the theories and research that help explain what we're seeing on screen." 

The latest episode of the podcast is available here on Spotify -The Psychology Of... Celebrity Traitors - Season 2 Ep7-8 | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify..