ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evidence people have on the impact of assessment centres (ACs) and development centre (DCs) on candidates, in terms of initial reactions while going through the assessment process, and then in relation to any subsequent changes in those candidates. Moving on to the impact of ACs on psychological well-being and motivation, the focus is clearly on candidates who have not been successful at the AC. A significant proportion of candidates do seem to experience negative psychological effects of one form or another in ACs, as has been demonstrated in a number of studies. In some instances, candidate trait anxiety coming in to an AC may act as an independent, causal variable, whilst state anxiety may be a dependent variable impacted by participation in the AC. Pre-AC positive thoughts were also correlated with the outcome in the form of a better overall assessment rating (OAR).
