My Inspiration To Pursue A Career In Clinical Psychology

My curiosity for psychology was ignited by working as a classroom assistant in a specialist Speech and Language school. It was fascinating to observe how various teaching methods were used to enable the children to access the curriculum, depending on their developmental and behavioural needs.

Psychology offers a plethora of explanations for various behaviours; never solely providing one cause. The study of autism demonstrates this. My interest in autism stemmed from reading the controversial case published in The Lancet by Andrew Wakefield, accusing the MMR vaccine of predisposing autism. The evidence was eventually deemed as fraudulent. However, this led me to question, if not the vaccine, what are the true causes of this disorder? Whilst researching the autistic spectrum, I came across Simon Baron-Cohen’s Sally-Anne test. His study concluded that people with autism have an inability to develop a theory of mind, but it still does not shed light on the causes. There is a recurring debate over whether autism can be linked to physiological or environment factors. Neuroscientist V. S. Ramachandran believes that an absence of mirror neurones provides evidence for the existence of autism. Whereas, geneticist Wendy Chung, argued in her recent talk that foetal exposure to certain drugs, may increase the likelihood of autism. I agree with Temple Grandin who states in her book, The Autistic Brain, that further research into the causes of autism is required in order to reach a definite conclusion. Completing core practicals in chemistry and biology has developed my foundation in scientific methodology and principles. The mathematical content of both sciences has enabled me to maintain and develop a high analytical skill set.

Through reading The Brain by David Eagleman and studying biology, I have learnt that neurobiology is integral in influencing cognition and behaviour. I plan to enhance my knowledge of neuroscience further by participating in the International Brain Bee competition. My interest in genetics led me to explore whether human embryonic stem cells should be used in scientific research in my Extended Project. I concluded that their use is key in presenting new knowledge and treatments for hereditary diseases. Psychology A-level has familiarised me with the basic structure of a Psychology degree and has introduced me to a variety of topics including social psychology. This topic provided a basis for my entry in the Royal Holloway National Psychology Competition where I presented on the effect of social media influencers on adolescents’ mental health. My research project investigating the gender differences in hygienic practices familiarised me with the research element that is fundamental to the study of psychology.

I am also a member of my school’s Psychology Society where we discuss current news. Recently, we discussed that self-harming by teenage girls has doubled in the last 20 years, predominantly due to social media and increased academic pressures. I regularly volunteer at The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, coaching the Paralympic sport boccia and aiding patients who suffer from a variety of neurological disorders. This, coupled with a work placement at Great Ormond Street Hospital, has provided me with first-hand experience in interacting with those who require both physical and mental support, which inspired me to pursue a career in clinical Psychology. My other passions include sport, dance and drama. I have represented my school at 1st team level in hockey and am captain of the netball 2ndVII. I have performed in Swan Lake with the English Youth Ballet, directed this year’s house drama performance and have continuous involvement in the school choir; subsequently I received the leadership role of Head of House.

I am pursuing a degree in Psychology with the aim of becoming a clinical psychologist as the subject encapsulates my two key interests, scientific research and human behaviour.