Military Psychology- Need, Scope and Challenges

Abstract

The history of military psychology dates back to the times of World War I and World War II when army Alpha and army beta tests were constructed by psychologists. The army Alpha test was constructed by Robert Yerkes along with his colleagues in the year 1917 to evaluate The US military recruits during World War I. The aim of this research is to understand, evaluate the need of military psychology and its scope and challenges face by the armed forces of India. With this research article, the aim is also to highlight the qualitative relationship of psychology and military culture. With this paper the author aims to analyze how the Indian military culture functions and what role psychology plays in its functioning. The armed forces have always displayed its zeal, sheer wit and courage in strengthening the structure of Democratic country like India. The attempt is to explore in depth, the need of military psychology and how military psychologists or psychologists in general can help the military personnel during times of psychological distress. This research also provides ways in which the mental health professionals can strengthen this relationship with the armed forces of India.