Psychology Personal Statement Example 106

The intrinsic faculties of the mind struck me with an intensified curiosity I had never experienced before. In year 12 I quickly adapted to the psychology course and realised that this was something I wanted to pursue to find meaning in further education and to provide something that many other jobs cannot, a way to help others.

A level psychology began my interest in the psychodynamic approach, the idea that unconscious motives for behaviour could not be seen but had so much evidence to suggest there was something more to humans. For example, the ID motivating problematic behaviour and its ongoing conflict between the superego and ego leading to delinquency and problematic health and behaviour such as depression. Ernest Becker in “The Denial of Death” argues in defence of Otto Rank’s (psychodynamic psychologist) ideas of depression that the “Depressive psychosis is the extreme on the continuum of too much necessity, that is, too much finitude and not enough freedom of the inner self”.

Mental health within the psychodynamic approach arguably gives a better picture of the depths of the cognitive mind then some approaches give today. However, the psychodynamic approach was not the only approach that interested me. The cognitive approach and its negative triad greatly captivated me as I have seen the same thought processes in friends, a consequence of their negative schemas putting a veil over their perceptions of reality, making them think negatively and abnormally. These ideas have made me more analytical and introspective in daily life and gave me first-hand experiences of the complexity of human thought.

My fervour for psychology extends further outside of my studies. I have read various novels that included criminal psychology such as "Crime and Punishment" and "The Idiot" by Dostoevsky, "The Outsider" by Albert Camus and more to just name a few of my favourites. Crime and Punishment's characters drew me in, with the complex deep feelings of guilt that the main character Raskolnikov faces, and its deep portrayal of a neurotic mans warped view on society and alienation along with it. The book dealt with the various defence mechanisms Freud introduced within his tripartite system which made the book interesting to read as it related to my studies.

My other A-levels compliment psychology as well. Sociology has allowed me to dissect society structurally, acknowledging hidden mechanisms behind the day-to-day workings of the world and its interdependence within human action. With sociology being another essay-based subject, it has improved my essay writing ability and analytical dexterity, which are traits needed in psychology.

During my free time I work part time as a lifeguard. I have gained valuable skills such as first aid and working part time has provided me with a positive work ethic, allowing me to understand the benefits of hard work. In my spare time I like to read as knowledge is something I greatly value and can apply to my studies, for example, one of my favourite novels "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai gives great insight into the nihilistic nature of the human condition preparing me considerably when understanding those mentally unwell.

I am looking forward to the psychology course because truthfully, I want to pursue a career that helps people and I believe by doing this, I can bring meaning to my own life and that my passion for Psychology will allow me to make a worthy contribution during my years at university, and in my future career in this field.