personal statement on health psychology

Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology

A student smiling while holding a pen and writing a personal statmement

Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School

In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story. Crafting a compelling personal statement requires insight, precision, and guidance. However, finding quality personal statement for graduate school examples can be challenging. Magoosh is committed to supporting graduate applications with detailed analyses, specific feedback, and comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements: Essay 1

We’re excited to showcase two standout personal statement for graduate school examples covering two different psychology tracks. The first, used to apply to Columbia University, explores the therapeutic power of storytelling in the aftermath of trauma and the writer’s dedication to studying the pathways from traumatic experiences to psychopathology. This essay seamlessly weaves together the applicant’s academic pursuits and professional experiences, underlining a deep-seated commitment to understanding and fostering resilience and growth post-trauma.

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements: Essay 2

Second, written for UC Berkeley, takes us on a captivating journey—from volunteering in Haiti to navigating the urban complexity of New York, and finally, to a meaningful role in tutoring across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This narrative eloquently captures the author’s evolving insight into the significant role counseling plays in psychological well-being and the drive to effect change within the psychology field.

Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback

Our feedback on each personal statement highlights strengths, suggests improvements, and offers strategic advice to boost the essay’s impact and emotional appeal. This feedback reflects our thorough grasp of the admissions process and our dedication to helping candidates refine their narratives.

Now explore our personal statements and expert commentary for inspiration on your application narratives. Whether starting your essay or finalizing it, our resources, expertise, and support guide you through the admissions journey.

Finally, we want to help you create a personal statement that surpasses admissions expectations, compellingly showcasing your unique story. Explore our blog for further tips. Consider a Magoosh Premium Plan to get access to expert GRE and Admissions help, including more examples of successful application essays.

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How to Create your Personal Statement for Psychology

What is a Personal Statement?

Commonly referred to as a “statement of purpose”, and by some as an “application essay”, a personal statement is your opportunity to introduce and sell yourself to a desired graduate program or college . In most cases, the personal statement can serve as the defining factor that allows students to stand out in a pool of applicants with equally high GPAs and test scores. Plus, a stellar statement of purpose could also help the applications of students who have unfavorable scores and grades.

Before You Begin…

Consider the type of personal statement required of you:.

Personal statements can range from a few paragraphs to several one-page essays that address different topics. They will vary widely between programs and schools, which means that you might craft quite a few of these application essays if you seek admission into various programs.

The objective of these statements all share a common thread: for the graduate committee to get a clear understanding of your career and academic aspirations as well as a sample of your writing abilities (a skill of utmost importance for comprehensive graduate study).

If Topics Are Chosen By You

The specific expectations of a statement of purpose might vary. Some schools might leave the direction and objective of the essay up to the applicant. In cases, you have the freedom to choose what you write about although, as a rule of thumb, essays should take on a professional/ academic focus rather than be personal or autobiographical. Don’t confuse personal statement with a long essay about your life growing up.

Instead, demonstrate your best attributes by outlining your fit, interests, previous experiences, servant leadership, research and courses you have taken that affirmed your dedication to the field of study. If you were not given specific questions, then be sure to touch bases with all of these that are relevant to your background in a logical and consistent manner.

If Topics Are Chosen By the Program

Other schools may provide you with a list of specific questions to answer pertaining to your career objectives and how obtaining an education with the particular program may advance you towards your goals.

Examples of specific topics outlined by graduate schools in psychology include:

Explain any previous work experience or teaching experiences you have in the field of psychology and why those experiences make you a strong candidate for our program.

Explain your long-term career goals.

Why do you think this program is a good fit for you?

How do you think this program can help you further your career objectives?

How has your previous education prepared you to take on study at the graduate or professional level?

What experience do you have conducting research? Rate your interest in conducting research.

What practitioners, researchers, or authors in the field of psychology have influenced your interest in this area of study?

Reflect on these questions or topic areas for a while before starting the writing process. Review your resume for direction about skills, experiences, or even lack of experience that you’ll want to identify and elaborate on in your paper. Write a list of attributes that you think describe you and consider how they are relevant to your interest in pursuing higher education.

During and After Writing…

Express your motivation.

When developing a statement of purpose for graduate schools in psychology, you will want to write at length about your particular interests, motivation, and passion for the field of study. Consider what experiences or traits you have that make you a better candidate than the hundreds of other applicants vying to gain admission.

Back up your expression of motivation with hard facts. The admissions committee wants a well-rounded candidate with a number of professional experiences that have helped clarify their ability to handle graduate study. Simply going on and on about how bad you want to be in the program with no relevant experiences that support that claim may not win you any favor.

Be Honest and Clear

When preparing a document that is virtually serving as a personal advertisement, you will write at length about the skills you possess that strengthen your application: academic curiosity, flexibility, maturity, persistence, and professionalism among others. When elaborating on your strengths, be sure to do so with respect to their relevance and importance. Do not go on about a characteristic that could be considered minor or irrelevant.

Also, be mindful of stating your goals and interests clearly and honestly. If you are not interested in a particular area, then leave out that information. Do not express an interest or ability that you do not have. It’s significant to discuss your weaknesses as well. If you have low test scores or a less-than-spectacular GPA, point that out in advance. Explain, if appropriate, why these aspects of your application are weak and follow up with a plan to rectify those aspects if you are accepted into graduate school.

Summary Points to Remember

At this point, you can’t change your college or graduate school entrance test scores or your grade point average. You can, however, make a significant impact during the applications process by developing a well-written statement of purpose.
Avoid writing at length about your personal history. Stick to the qualities and experiences that are relevant to your growth and abilities in the field of psychology.
Answer all questions from the application and be sure to meet the page or word count requirements.
Be sure to clearly and honestly relate your experiences and interests, also taking time to point out both strengths and weaknesses. Share how you plan to overcome those weaknesses or use them to your advantage.
Ask someone else to look over your statement of purpose–an advisor or professor in your department–who can give you straightforward feedback on its content.
Customize each personal statement to the program or school you are applying. Elaborate on how that particular program can assist you in reaching your goals.
During revisions, pay attention to the strength and dynamism of your opening paragraph. Your goal is to hook the readers and give them the desire to keep reading.

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Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Ben Taylor

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

The effects of psychological trauma can be diffuse and difficult to treat, with wide-ranging causes and an unfortunate range of symptoms. Having witnessed first-hand the consequences of mental trauma in several loved ones in recent years, I’m determined to place myself in a position where I can help the recovery of others in unfortunate circumstances.

I’m currently in the final year of an English Literature degree and am course to achieve a 2.1. My interest in Psychology has manifested itself in my module choices on this course, including one that examined the relationship between trauma, memory and Holocaust literature, and an elective that I took in my first year on the Philosophy of the Mind. My dissertation looks at representations of post-traumatic stress disorder in First World War literature, contemporaneous news accounts and medical textbooks. I hope that my knowledge of the cultural background and theory of Psychology will stand me in good stead when I begin my postgraduate studies, providing with me with an extra lens through which to consider the issues at hand.

The MSc in Psychology programme at your institution appeals to me because it offers a rigorous, BPS-accredited grounding in the foundational pillars of Psychology, as well as the opportunity to pursue more specialised modules in Neurotrauma, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Occupational Psychology. After finishing my Masters, I hope to gain the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the BPS before applying for a doctoral degree that allows me to pursue my interest in psychological trauma and its treatment, eventually becoming a qualified psychiatrist.

Last summer I shadowed a psychologist who supported adults with complex needs, which gave me an insight into the difference that this kind of work can make to people’s lives. I’ve also been a listening volunteer for the Samaritans helpline for the past two years, an experience that has taught me the importance of compassion and open-mindedness when speaking with people in psychological distress. In addition, I’m a student ambassador and have supported my university at many open days, study fairs and graduation ceremonies over the past few years, requiring excellent organisational skills and a friendly, professional manner.

I’ve worked on a part-time basis for a local pub since 2017, something that has given me plenty of confidence and excellent interpersonal skills. Once I’ve finished my dissertation, I plan to spend my summer working full-time at the pub, saving up enough money to concentrate on my postgraduate studies next academic year.

I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of beginning an MSc in Psychology soon and see it as the natural continuation of my academic career to date, as well as the perfect way for me to put my extra-curricular experience into practice.

MSc Psychology

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Psychology Personal Statement Examples

When applying to a Psychology course it’s important to write a strong psychology personal statement . Use our psychology personal statement examples as a guide for writing your UCAS application . Below are 3 examples you can read.

Personal Statement Example For Psychology

With every academic paper and publication, I read since studying Psychology at GCSE, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in science, Psychology is my chosen subject for further study. It is extremely important to me to continue learning and building upon my knowledge, and I am passionate about engrossing myself in this subject at university.

At present, the debate of nature versus nurture is the most significant area of academic psychology that I am interested in. As a result of my interest in this argument, I have read Philip Zimbardo’s Lucifer Effect, which has furthered my intrigue and guided me in new directions. My fascination with environmental influences on human behaviour, and the idea that our surroundings can influence how we treat others, is greatly enhanced by my exploration of these concepts. Through my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue research in this field of persuasion-based behavioural studies based on Cialdini’s principles of social influence.

Weekend jobs have helped me broaden my skill base and diversify my already acquired competencies while in school, as I have been able to widen my skill base and diversify my competencies. Having worked in a Deli with one other colleague gave me the opportunity to develop my organizational and motivational skills. We ran the shop alone and worked both as a team and alone while providing high-quality customer service under pressure. I gained confidence in my leadership abilities and also learned how to function well within our small team, hit set targets, deal with customers, and assist my colleague when he was short-handed. I feel prepared for large workloads, pressured deadlines, and projects involving both team and individual work, as I have made an effort to prepare myself for the demands of higher education by having these skills while studying psychology – the benefits of having these skills will be invaluable whilst reading psychology.

As a credit controller for Harlands Services, I have developed my analytical and statistical skills and developed my eye for detail. As a result of examining and investigating unpaid contracts, my critical and numerical skills have greatly improved; I am confident of my capabilities in this field and look forward to applying them in the future. Having this position at Harlands has also been valuable – it has taught me persuasive tact when dealing with outstanding payments, and it has illustrated the benefits of dealing patiently with sometimes abusive clients. In order to develop these communication skills, I worked in the community teaching skateboarding – communication is an essential aspect of psychology, and I intend to use this aptitude in practical seminars and in projects that require interviews and verbal testing.

My ambition is to continue my studies and pursue a PhD, eventually leading to a career in academia. As part of my postgraduate studies, I am interested in the British prison environment and rehabilitation process, as well as institutional aggression. During my undergraduate studies, I realize that these interests can be developed, or even superseded.

As a member of The British Psychological Society and avid reader of The Psychologist, I have attempted to academically prepare myself for my undergraduate course over the past two years. In addition to providing excellent insight into world news and opinion, The Economist also provides informed writers and a diverse range of viewpoints. Being able to study at university offers us many opportunities to positively influence our environment and to support others. I value being aware of global events and issues.

My dedication and perseverance show that I am motivated to study psychology for academic reasons as well as to acquire the crucial skills required to be successful in college.

My career will be launched with this undergraduate degree, thus my expectation and motivation are already very high. As someone who studied psychology at both the GCSE and A Level, I feel prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to meet them with the knowledge and abilities I have gained from work experience and education, as well as those I have yet to acquire.

Read our guides:

How To Write A Personal Statement For Psychology
UCAS Personal Statement
Psychiatry Personal Statements
Neuroscience Personal Statements

Successful Psychology personal statement example

Growing up, I was fascinated by psychology after seeing a psychiatry and researching Milgram’s Electric Shock Experiment. People can apply potentially fatal shocks to innocent people, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can shape a person’s mental state. As a result of these early exposures, I developed a passion for psychology and a desire to specialize in childhood development psychology to help others navigate their own internal struggles much as my psychiatrist had helped me.

This desire was further reinforced when I had the opportunity to serve as a reading mentor to a group of children, including one with autism. This role allowed me to work with a diverse group of children, hone my patience, and observe firsthand the impact of various learning styles. I also initiated a mentoring program for children with Type 1 Diabetes, drawing on my own experiences with the condition to provide support and reassurance. My work in a pharmacy and participation in campaigns to raise funding and awareness for diabetes research have also given me valuable experience interacting with patients and advocating for their needs.

In addition to psychology, I am currently studying sociology, and business studies, and have previously studied government and politics. Group work and presentations are a regular part of my studies, enabling me to strengthen my teamwork and presentation skills. One of my favourite theories that I have explored in psychology is Bowlby’s attachment theory, which delves into how children form attachments and how these shape their development, ultimately influencing the person they will become.

Over the last 5 years, I have volunteered at a local independent charity shop on Saturdays and during my last 5 summer holidays, I volunteered three times a week. I am entrusted with a great deal of responsibility, including handling the day’s banking. I am also actively involved in campaigns to raise funding and awareness for diabetes research, including participating in walks and writing letters to my local MP. In my free time, I enjoy listening to psychology podcasts from the University of Oxford, such as “How is depression treated?” These podcasts have provided me with insight into the evolution of treatments and the varied effects of physical and psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

I also gained practical experience collecting qualitative and quantitative data as part of a joint study between the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol on cyber-safety. Aside from attending lectures, I also worked with final-year undergraduates on their projects at the University of Bristol’s Brain Week. During his research, one student examined the effects of alcohol on coordination while driving. In spite of its brief duration, this experience was extremely enlightening and sparked my excitement regarding the possibility of attending university, deepening my knowledge and understanding, and possibly conducting my own research.

Health Psychology personal statement example

I am excited to apply to study psychology at the university level as someone who has always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology first developed during my time at King David School, where I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in a psychology research project as part of the UK secondary school competition. This experience sparked my curiosity and passion for understanding the complexities of human behaviour, and I knew that I wanted to pursue this further.

Throughout my time in secondary school, I was an active member of the psychology club, where I enjoyed discussing and debating various psychological theories with my peers. I also took an extra-curricular psychology course, which allowed me to delve deeper into the subject and develop a greater understanding of its various sub-disciplines. In addition to my coursework, I also completed several independent research projects on topics such as the effects of social media on mental health and the role of attachment in romantic relationships. These projects further fueled my desire to explore the psychology and deepen my understanding of the human experience.

Outside of the classroom, I have always been drawn to helping others and have volunteered at a local mental health clinic, where I was able to witness firsthand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. This experience further solidified my desire to enter psychology and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am confident that my passion, curiosity, and dedication to psychology make me an ideal candidate for this program, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my studies at the University level. I believe that the combination of my academic achievements and real-world experience makes me uniquely qualified for this program, and I am eager to contribute to the dynamic and diverse community at the University.

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Personal statement advice: psychology

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If you're writing a psychology personal statement, describing your personal insights into the subject or how you've pursued your interest outside the classroom will impress over quoting Freud or Milgram (which might sound a little pretentious). That's what psychology admissions tutors told us when we asked them what they're looking for in your personal statement.

Five things to include in your psychology personal statement

The University of Bristol highlights five elements of a strong, academically focused psychology statement:

Ensure it is well structured and well written .
Give details of any specific interests or ambitions you have that relate to the content of the course.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for psychological research as a focus for academic study.
Provide evidence of when you have pursued your interest in psychology outside the classroom (see above!)
Give examples of non-curricular activities you are involved in which indicate the contribution you are likely to make to university life. Any relevant work experience you have under your belt is also worth talking about. But if you haven't gained experience in the field directly, think creatively - there might be ways to link observations from your part-time job, voluntary work or extra-curricular activities to psychology. One successful applicant finished her statement with a short paragraph about her Saturday job on a supermarket fish counter, describing the satisfaction she got from knowing how to gut and fillet a mackerel. Linking her experience to psychology in an innovative but relevant way was a lot more interesting than just saying it had improved her teamwork or communication skills, which are a bit broad.

Psychology tutors tell it like it is

Here are some more points to avoid:

A lack of understanding: ‘Some applicants display a misconception of what psychology is. We want to know that you understand the importance of scientific elements of the course and the importance of statistics and experimentation’.
Not enough engagement with the subject: ‘Some applicants are rejected because of a lack of commitment to the subject, especially in cases where it appears that they’ve applied for a mixture of courses rather than five psychology ones’.
Making it too personal: ‘Some applicants expand too much on personal circumstances, such as mental health issues or life events. Studying psychology may not necessarily help, so don't overplay personal stories’.
Getting the tone wrong: don’t just say you ‘want to help people’ and don’t use inappropriate language like ‘less fortunate people’. Also, avoid inserting sophisticated language or phrases if you don’t fully understand them – ‘straightforward language is never a bad thing’.

Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from universities

Get tips from the top to help you nail your psychology personal statement

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The university application personal statement is changing in 2025
University admissions service Ucas has announced that a new style of personal statement will be launched in 2025. This will affect anyone making a university application from autumn 2025 onwards. .

Research the course and make it clear that you understand what it’s all about

Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

Keep it focused on you

… but make sure you understand what the course is all about and keep it academic.

Read more: how to write your university application

Answer the question of why you want to study psychology

Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Show the range of your interest

Read more: personal statement FAQs

Highlight any relevant work experience

Read more: the ten biggest mistakes to avoid when writing your personal statement

And work experience outside the healthcare sector could still be relevant, too

Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements

Reflect on your relevant experience

Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

Avoid cliches

Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

Let it all flow out in your first draft

Read more: how long does it take for universities to reply to your application?

Don’t worry if you don’t know exactly where you want your career to take you yet

And a few final tips from universities…, you may want to look at these..., how to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps.

Help and advice on putting your application together

Personal statement FAQs

We've gone through some of the most commonly asked personal statement questions and put all the answers in one place

Personal statement secrets – universities reveal all

Want to know how to craft an amazing personal statement? Take some advice from the experts...

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Psychology Personal Statement Guide

Writing a personal statement is not simple, as it demands a lot from you. It requires you to be introspective and analytical about your opinions, interests, and motivations. It wants you to show yourself to your best advantage without coming across as arrogant and boastful . It asks you to convince people you’ve never met to offer a place on their course to someone they have little knowledge of. All of this in 4000 characters or fewer? Not so easy.

This guide is designed to help you navigate this challenging, but hopefully ultimately rewarding, task by taking you through what makes a good and a not-so-good psychology personal statement. It will give you a very good idea of what a personal statement is and isn’t, as well as what admissions tutors are looking for, and how to present yourself in the best light. The guide will lead you through the following points:

Why are Personal Statements Important?
What Should I Include in a Psychology Personal Statement?
What Should I Avoid in a Psychology Personal Statement?

Advice on How to Start a Psychology Personal Statement

Advice on how to finish a psychology personal statement .

What Should I Avoid in a Psychology Personal Statement ?

While personal statements should be personal to you, yours should not be about your own psychological or mental health history . Even if some or all of your motivation for studying the subject stems from this, it would be inappropriate to state as much since you should retain a scientifically objective interest in the formal academic subject beyond how it might be relevant to you personally.

You should also avoid talking about how the degree might help you to understand your own mentality or psychological health as this isn’t a guaranteed outcome of the course, and could suggest you’ve misunderstood what it involves.

Remember to maintain a formal, professional, and academic detachment and tone throughout.

The start of your personal statement should set out why you’re interested in the subject and why you’d like to study it at university.

You should always avoid using quotations or clichés as these come across as hackneyed; instead, use simple and straightforward language that is appealing and memorable . You want to create a good impression through your own words, not someone else’s.

If you’re struggling with the first line, it might help to draft some reasons for your interest and motivation separately and incorporate these later. Once you have begun, make sure your statement follows a sensible order and that its structure is clear from reading it.

Like with the initial impression from the statement’s introduction, the final impression made on the reader should be a positive one that excites them and leaves them with a genuine sense of who you are and why you’re applying.

Without repeating what you’ve already said, you should try to emphasise the extent of your interest and why you’d like to study psychology. Plans for how you'd like to expand your academic performance at university can come into this section, as can any ambitions the degree could assist you with further down the line.

The important point to remember is that you want to leave the reader thinking it would be the best course of action to invite you to an interview or make you an offer

What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Psychology Personal Statement?
How Long Should my Psychology Personal Statement Be?
What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Psychology Personal Statement?
How Can I Tailor my Psychology Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Refine your interests by looking into the broad areas of psychology that most universities will offer, e.g. developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, etc. Do some research into what appeals most to you through books and articles, and take notes so you can highlight your own personal informed interests where appropriate throughout the statement. This will give a much better impression than repeating what you know from your school syllabus.

Try to mention in the statement the academic skills you already possess and how these might equip you for success during the degree, e.g. your mathematical competency for dealing with statistics, or your experimental experience in the sciences. If you’ve won any academic prizes or awards, then by all means mention them but only if they’re made relevant to your ultimate study of psychology.

Your statement will be restricted to 4000 characters (including spaces) or to 47 lines of the UCAS form, whichever you reach first. Needless to say, such a limit makes every word count even more than usual, so it’s best to try to use all 4000 characters to express everything you need to. Create a list of points you want to include and tick them off to ensure you don’t omit anything.

So many activities you do outside the classroom will be underpinned by psychology, e.g. playing or coaching sports, gaming, and interacting with animals to name a few. Anything you do mention should go towards establishing your profile as a capable and skilled potential student of psychology, but these activities don’t necessarily need to relate directly – they could teach you different skills that would come in useful during the degree, such as research skills or empathy. Any mention of non-academic pursuits should be kept to a minimum and always related back to the subject you intend to study.

Whilst you cannot make your statement too specific to any one university, there are certain things you can do to ensure Oxbridge tutors know you are thinking of them.

Oxford and Cambridge value intellectual curiosity, an appreciation of interdisciplinary interest, and flexible thinking that allows you to test ideas. It’s therefore advisable to consider what evidence you have of these attributes which you can incorporate into your statement. Good examples of this would be challenging current ways of thinking, going beyond the confines of your school syllabus, or conducting an experiment with surprising results. In addition, given the system of small group teaching at the two universities and the onus they place on independent study, showing some evidence of academic autonomy would help to prove your suitability for their courses.

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Health Psychology Personal Statement Examples

Health Psychology Personal Statement Example 1

I’m sending this personal statement because I’m very inspired to enrol in a master’s degree in health psychology, and I want to be considered as a candidate. The grade for my psychology bachelor’s degree was a GPA of 3.7. I have always wanted to be a health psychologist, and I believe your University can help me enhance my career.

Two things drive my interest. First and foremost, I genuinely want to do everything I can to help others. For me, the key to assisting people in enhancing their well-being is having a solid grasp of human behaviour. It inspired me to look for knowledge and experiences outside my university classrooms and textbooks.

I spent 30 hours observing a licensed health psychologist at an educational consultancy while engaging in supervised clinical child psychology practice. I could not have picked any other career because I enjoyed my time there. I joined a foundation where we used exercises and movements to improve the social skills and perspectives of autistic kids. I encountered a variety of kids with various difficulties over these months.

I want to explore your University because of its quality infrastructure and professional staff. Additionally, I love animals and can’t even begin to express how much my dogs have loved me. That is why I think dogs can enhance therapy in some way. In addition, dance is my passion. I did it for ten years in the past. Outside our homes, it is typically a group activity that gets our bodies moving while we listen to music.

Additionally, I am interested in researching the many forms of mental illness and how well different treatments work. My professional experience has shown me how much more I still need to learn to become a proficient health psychologist.

I would be ecstatic to enrol in the upcoming program. I believe I am adequately equipped for graduate studies in health psychology, and the University’s resources and my strong motivation and professional objectives are a suitable match. I assure you that I will ensure I follow instructions and give my maximum cooperation to the staff at the University. Thank you for this opportunity, and I hope to hear from you soon.

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Personal Statements

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. The following tips will help you get started in addition to the supplemental articles from the APA. Students who are looking for a course that breaks down all of the steps in applying to graduate school (including writing your Personal Statement) should consider taking PSY 396C , Preparation for Graduate Programs in the Field of Psychology. This course is recommended Fall of junior year.

General Tips for any Personal Statement

Follow the directions and answer any questions or prompts provided by your programs.
Your Introductory Paragraph should share what ignited your passion or interest for the field (NOT TOO PERSONAL).
Give details, include names of agencies, labs, and or faculty to help paint the picture of what you did.
Share not only your duties but also what you learned from the experience and how that has solidified the work you want to do.
The conclusion needs to show fit to the school/program/faculty member. (PhD programs you need to name who you are applying to specifically).
Ensure your statement flows. Paragraphs need to have transition sentences to connect the ideas. Telling your professional story chronologically helps.
Edit, edit, and edit again. Ask many people to read and edit your statement before submitting it to your programs.

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others. These statements aim to convey your interest for the field, share your relevant hands-on experiences as evidence of your preparation, and demonstrate how you are a good match for the program.

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based programs. Even if they provide Clinical Training (e.g. Clinical and Counseling Psychology), they are still fundamentally rooted in producing scientific research. Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself in terms of your research interests, previous research experience, and research goals. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional in tone.

Personal Statement Editing

Are you in the process of writing your personal statement for graduate or professional programs and need tutoring/editing services? The University of Arizona Writing Skills Improvement Program is your answer! They offer free and fee-based services. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in tutoring . Check it out!

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement

Preparing your Personal Statement for Graduate applications

Finding Fit: Personal Statements

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Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it.

Today, we are looking through a Psychology applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Psychology Course at Oxford is a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates their academic interests and initiative.

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Psychology Personal Statement

How does the mind work? The mind is a mystery housed within the most complex mechanism known to man: the human brain. My innate curiosity compels me to find out more about such a mystery through the study of Psychology.

I have long been interested in how our minds differ: for example, why have I always been a strong mathematician while my brother finds it challenging? Being a musician, I found Kathryn Vaughn’s research supporting a correlation between musical and mathematical abilities particularly thought provoking, while I have also wondered whether my childhood obsession with jigsaws helped me develop problem-solving skills, which are particularly relevant in Geometry: the area with the biggest rift in our abilities. Ann Dowker’s argument, in ‘Individual Differences’, that educational methods influence such differences was also particularly compelling. Therefore, in my gap year, whilst helping struggling learners in KS3 Mathematics at a local school, and, when I help educate children in Tanzania as an International Citizen Service volunteer with the VSO charity, I will evaluate the success of different educational methods. This will give me experience of carrying out my own research, and, will develop skills such as empathy, which is important in the more sensitive areas of Psychology. Furthermore, I recently assisted a University of Oxford researcher conducting follow-up assessments with children in local primary schools. These measured reading-age, language comprehension and numeracy level, and are used to gauge and refine the Catch-Up charity’s numeracy intervention programme. As some of the children being assessed were from a control group, my involvement also enlightened me to ethical aspects of research.

Differences that occur in the criminal mind are also of great interest to me. As an elected Student Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau earlier this year, where I learnt about Rudolf Hoess. Hoess exterminated thousands of families, yet lived with his own family just outside the camp. This ignited an interest in complex behaviour; therefore I read Stanley Milgram’s research into whether ‘the Germans are different’, and learnt about his Theory of Obedience. This developed an interest in Forensic Psychology, and I subsequently attended a Forensics course at Nottingham University, where I learnt about a Forensic Psychologist’s role, during Mental Health tribunals, for example.

Deterioration of the mind, and methods to counteract this, also interest me. Reading the Psychologist has given me an insight into how the effectiveness of such methods could be analysed using a high-resolution 3D brain atlas; while a presentation from Claire Rytina enlightened me to useful cognitive treatment designed to rebuild and retrieve memory following her Viral Encephalitis. I have also voluntarily worked at a Nursing Home with some Dementia sufferers, and noticed that many sufferers enjoyed me playing music from their past, and sometimes, this triggered some of their memories. This made me wonder whether the music stimulated neurones which had lain dormant for years, similarly to when neurones are used for the first time, as Hubel and Weisel’s nature/nurture research has shown. Studying this in A level Biology gave me an interest in neuroscience, while Biology also stressed the importance of controls and fair tests, which are invaluable during Psychology experiments too. My mathematical skills in statistics will also be beneficial when analysing empirical evidence; and, the deep level of analysis and evaluation used for varying sources in A level History will be useful when studying case studies, while my essay techniques will help me when writing reports, and when considering issues from different perspectives.

Overall, I feel that my broad interests and skills will enable me to thrive as a Psychology student at a demanding University, where I would also make a positive contribution to University life.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This statement is powered by a broad range of academic interests — all of which the candidate has explored to a deep and commendable level. They are able to articulate how these interests came about, why they are important and how they intersect. In so doing, the candidate clearly demonstrates their ability to think independently, undertake independent projects and foster a wide-ranging curiosity. Furthermore, they clearly illustrate how their academic interests have had a bearing on their actions outside of the classroom; activities that require a substantial amount of initiative and endeavour.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

While the consideration of a range of different areas of psychology is illustrative of a consistently curious individual, this statement would have benefited from greater cohesion as an overall piece. The candidate could have also found a less rhetorical way of opening their statement; their tone at this point is not a mode of speech that they return to elsewhere, and as such, it seems somewhat like a non-sequitur. Their prose thereafter is much more engaging, and it seems unfulfilling and irrelevant to include such mystifying text at the start.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This candidate maturely presents their academic interests and particular areas of personal pursuit. As a result of this, they are able to demonstrate moments at which they have taken impressive amounts of initiative, and have really gone out of their way in order to experience their academic interests outside of the classroom. They are thereby able to fashion themselves as a curious, energetic, academic individual, who is able to think independently and develop their own work. There are potential areas for stylistic improvement within the statement, but they do not hinder the overall impression given of a capable and committed candidate.

This Personal Statement for Psychology is a great example of demonstrating academic interest and initiative. The candidate’s interest and passion are clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Go to our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

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Sample Counseling Psychology Personal Statement (NYU Steinhardt)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program at NYU Steinhardt School in Counseling Psychology. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in Counseling Psychology should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in Counseling Psychology

Growing up in Poland, I had internalized the stigma attached to Psychology and Psychotherapy. I was famous in my circle of friends as “the understanding one,” but I had developed a bitter taste for formally studying Psychology. Therefore, I opted for a more socially acceptable high school major – Computer Science.

But I wanted to learn about human behavior. Turning my back on the subject of my intellectual curiosity alienated me from myself. As expected, I scored miserably in high school. However, I did not give up just yet and went on to enroll in an IT program at the University of Warsaw.

Despite trying to ignite a passion for the discipline, I was inevitably headed toward disaster. A day before my first-year exams, I stared dispassionately at my book. I felt helpless and broke down into tears. At that moment, I realized I needed help from a mental health professional.

But I didn’t seek help because of two reasons. Firstly, hearing that only the crazy go for psychotherapy all my life, I could not muster the courage to deal with that label. Secondly, I only knew of Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and I did not want to be diagnosed or medicated.

Then I mustered the courage to cross the inner hurdles that kept me from studying Psychology. I wanted to gain insights into my emotional imbalances and tried to help myself by learning to help others. After that, I convinced my parents and changed my undergraduate central to Psychology.

This opened new doors that led me to a journey of growth and self-discovery. I met some wonderful people and began excelling in my studies. I was unanimously voted as the class representative in my second semester. Improved psychosocial support and self-efficacy began to work magic on my sense of self-worth.

Experiencing a shift from clutter to clarity, I felt a newfound affiliation with those in need. I heard about Chayn Poland through social media and started volunteering for it. While working at Chayn , I was a part of an online community that created a resource portal to inform and help victims of domestic violence in Poland. It was an excellent opportunity to transmit the knowledge of the psychological aftermath of abuse to those who could benefit from it. I’m channeling the same spirit at my current job at Social Welfare, Academics, and Training for Poland . Lending my hand in research about the psychological impact of militancy and war on the youth of Ukraine allows me to play my role in helping those in need.

Through my introduction to counseling and the humanistic model in my Perspectives in Psychology class, I saw the framework I could use to pursue the field of Psychology. Moreover, I realized that the humanistic school stood for the same values I had innately developed – holism; the importance of an individual’s experience, and the belief that all humans have an actualizing tendency.

Coincidentally, one of my close friends had joined a certificate course in Humanistic Counseling at Therapy Mission, Warsaw. I enrolled in the next session to test my interest in the subject. As part of the course, I completed 85 hours of group therapy and an equal number of lectures. I learned basic counseling skills, person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and transactional analysis. Being in the group was truly transformational. As group therapy generally does, the group started to represent my unconscious perception of the world for me. Some of my group members represented specific figures from the past who I had unresolved issues with. I had the privilege of working on those issues through hot-seat exercises and psychodrama enactments. Being heard changed my relationship with myself. I learned to nurture myself and develop an inner resource, which would help me cope with future distresses more intelligently. I’m currently enrolled in a diploma in Integrated Counseling .

Stepping out of my comfort zone gave me the strength to explore further. Hence, last summer, I decided to go to Kenya for an internship through AIESEC at Living Positive Kenya . Among other experiences, the training allowed me to practice the skills I had acquired at Therapy Mission. I facilitated a psychosocial support group of women who had HIV/AIDS. My primary strategy was to create a safe space for women to express themselves. In that space, a woman could express her thoughts, and the group would provide her unconditional presence. Though the feedback was encouraging, I realized I needed more advanced training to deal with similar issues back home. I based my conclusion on the general resistance with which the idea of therapy is met in Poland.

My strength is that I come from a place where people are skeptical about counseling. However, I understand Poland’s dire need for counseling and have experienced its value first-hand. Therefore, I want to reach out and counsel as many people as possible. Having crawled from a pit of emotional darkness towards light puts me in the position to hold someone’s hand while they do the same. Now, all I need is extra muscle.

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I enjoyed research methodology as I gained a deeper understanding of how to conduct research, the different methods in research and the importance it plays in psychology as it gives scientific evidence on the new perspectives of psychology, psychological theories and factors affecting mental health.

In addition to the courses, I did an internship at Agnes Special School where I worked as a special educator for children with Learning Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism and Mental Retardation.

Through this internship, I got to know more about childhood disorders and the obstacles they face in their everyday lives. It was extremely challenging

During, my second semester I had courses such as physiological psychology, personality theories, psychological testing and positive psychology.

I enjoyed reading about personality theories especially, Alfred Adler’s Individual psychology where he describes inferiority and superiority complexes and also about the birth order and how it influences the style of life.

By learning the theories, I gained insight on how personality influences human behaviour. I also had a practical paper on Assessment of Personality where, I was exposed to the various types of personality tests such as Draw a person test, Eysenck personality questionnaire, locus of control, Neo five-factor inventory and many more.

During the third semester, I learned about counselling psychology, psychological intervention and psychopathology.

I found psychopathology very interesting as it taught me about the different psychological disorders, their aetiology, diagnosis and the signs and symptoms that make up the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

I became interested in relationships between various biological and environmental factors which can induce disorders.

By the end of my third semester, I worked as an intern for two months at two hospitals. My first clinical internship was at XXX for 3 weeks under Dr. XXX. During my time there, I learned how to collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations (MSE).

I conducted various psychometric tests such as Standard and Coloured Progressive Matrices, Seguin Form Board and LD checklist, and also observed various behaviour therapies, parent guidance and counselling, sessions for home training for children with special needs on conditions like mental retardation, learning disability, autism, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy and multiple handicaps.

I also presented a poster on Learning Disability as a part of the academic presentation, defining Learning Disability, the problems children with LD face, the management of LD and the rights these children have.

My second clinical internship was at XXX for four weeks where I worked under the supervision of XXX at the Psychiatric Department. The hospital had in-patient care as well as outpatient care where I could collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations.

I got insights into the numerous disorders. I gained an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a clinical psychologist. I also attended several therapies that the psychologist conducted such as Group Therapy for de-addiction patients, Stress Management and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and various psychometric tests such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and Rorschach inkblot test.

I also conducted psychometric tests such as Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale for Children, CAGE questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Binet Kamat Test etc.

In the fourth semester, I had courses on behaviour modification and counselling children, adolescents and adults. I was trained in numerous psychotherapy techniques such as Jacobsons Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Systematic Desensitisation, and Yoga.

I also had to present several case studies that I collected during my internships. I had a 5 days internship at XXX Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts which was aimed at preventing and management of Substance abuse with the focus soon early intervention , community based holistic approach and people’s participation.

During my time here, I interacted with several patients who has problems with substance abuse where I was able to take a session on assertiveness training for the patients and also conducted several relaxation techniques such as JPMR and Autogenic training.

Further, I got to know how the rehab centre worked and the different treatment methods used for the patients. I had another 5 days internship at XXX Palliative care, where I counselled with patients who were terminally ill by giving psychological snd social support to the patients and their caregivers.

Another internship I had was at Riya Hope Farm which was a residential centre for children with special needs. I was assigned to a child who had autism and conducted behavioural assessment of the child. Once the assessment was over, behaviour modification process was started as the child had difficulty in following the instruction that were given to him.

I also had to submit a dissertation as a part of the master’s programme where I presented a research study on “ Marital Adjustment in relation to Life Satisfaction and Gender among Young Adult Married Couples.”

I was interested in this topic due to the increasing divorce rates in India notably among the Young - Adult population and to find out whether life satisfaction influences the marital adjustment between couples.

In addition to my courses, I have attended several workshops on counselling and psychotherapy, basic and advanced hypnosis, “Dementia - Remember me” and Paranormality.

After finishing my master’s in psychology, I am currently interning at a psychiatric clinic for where I am working as an assistant counselling psychologist under the guidance of Dr XXXp.

During my time here, I have met patients with a wide range of mental health problems that may occur such as mental health disorders including depression, psychosis, personality disorder, negative life events, bereavement, domestic violence, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, traumas and relationship issues.

I have witnessed counselling of both clients and their families, and I have learned to administer and score several psychological tests used in clinical assessment.

I have enjoyed working in the clinic and found it very rewarding, not only because of the idea of helping but also because the work was interesting and challenging, as every patient is different and different approaches of counselling are needed.

As an assistant counselling psychologist, I was able to learn the different counselling techniques and how to guide patients through empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Upon completion of this masters programme, I intend join a Doctoral programme in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and to practice as a clinical psychologist, where I can provide a positive influence in the lives of people struggling with psychiatric disorders.

My personal characteristics are perfectly adaptable to this profession and I’m highly interested in this field. Moreover, my academic achievements signify my capability to reach the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

I’m also interested in research work and understanding the various mental illness, their treatment as well as their effectiveness. My work experience has proven to me how much more I need to learn before I can attain my goal of becoming an accomplished clinical psychologist.

I am interested to join Goldsmith’s University of London for the Masters course in Foundation in Clinical Psychology and Health Services by the strong emphasis on clinical practice and research methodology as it goes particularly well with what I am looking for in a program.

I would be very excited to join the upcoming class for 2018. I feel I am well prepared to enter graduate study, and my strong motivation and career goals are a good match for what the university has to offer.

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Psychology personal statements

Scroll down this page to find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study economics and related courses at university.

Plus, over on The Uni Guide, we've also got advice from universities on what they want to see in a psychology personal statement .

Among the tips shared by admissions experts: really research the course; be sure to understand what psychology actually covers; show the range of your interest; cover relevant work experience.

Examples of real psychology personal statements

These psychology personal statements are written by real students. Among them you will find personal statements that have formed part of successful applications to universities such as Royal Holloway, Aberystwyth and Aberdeen.

Bear in mind, these personal statements are presented in exactly the way they were originally submitted to Ucas. Don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement.

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You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

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Child Development

How Does Early Childhood Shape Us?

Four simple steps to unlock lasting well-being..

Posted August 26, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

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Early childhood experiences crucially impact long-term development.
Adverse childhood experiences can lead to long-term mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Proactive early interventions improve mental health and personal growth.

This post is part of a series in which I gather insights from leadership , diversity, and wellness experts.

Mental health isn’t something that suddenly starts to matter in adulthood—it’s built from the earliest moments of life. Think about it: the way we manage stress , handle relationships, and navigate challenges is deeply influenced by the environment we were in as children. From our earliest interactions to how we were nurtured during pregnancy , these experiences lay the groundwork for lifelong mental well-being.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with Dr. Karen Molano, a clinical psychologist specializing in early childhood development, to gather insights on this important topic. In this post, we explore evidence-based strategies to enhance mental health and wellness, with a focus on early childhood development, holistic practices, and personal growth.

Impact of Early Childhood Experiences

Early childhood is a delicate period where brain development is at its peak, making it a time of both opportunity and vulnerability. Reflect on your early memories: How did your caregivers respond when you were upset? Did you receive comfort and support, or were there restrictions on how you could express yourself? How did these experiences influence your understanding of mental and emotional health? Additionally, what did your caregivers teach you about taking care of your body and physical health?

This connection between early experiences and long-term well-being is well-supported by research. For instance, a recent study found that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as neglect or trauma , significantly increase the likelihood of developing mental health challenges like depression and anxiety later in life (Tzouvara et al., 2023). But it’s not just about avoiding adversity. Positive interactions—such as reading with a parent, being soothed when distressed, and having the freedom to explore safely—help the brain wire itself for resilience .

Dr. Molano highlights the importance of pregnancy in this equation. She shares that nurturing a child begins even before birth. For example, studies have shown that high levels of maternal stress during pregnancy can impact a child’s emotional development, making them more prone to anxiety and emotional dysregulation later on (Jagtap et al., 2023). In contrast, a calm, nurturing environment can lead to stronger emotional foundations and better mental health outcomes.

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Early experiences shape our perspectives on health and self-care, but to truly enhance our well-being, we must take proactive steps throughout adulthood. Dr. Molano highlights that while our formative years provide a foundation, it is through ongoing, intentional efforts that we can effectively build on that groundwork and improve our overall wellness.

One intentional way to enhance health is by focusing on a crucial yet often-overlooked aspect: gut health. Experts highlight that individuals who eat a diet rich in whole foods—such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean proteins—often experience lower rates of depression. In contrast, a diet high in processed foods and sugars can contribute to mood imbalances by disrupting gut bacteria (Clemente-Suárez et al., 2023). This is where small changes in nutrition can lead to significant improvements in mental well-being.

The Role of Personal Development

The journey to mental wellness doesn’t stop in childhood—it’s a lifelong process. Personal development involves continuously working on skills and habits that enhance your emotional and mental well-being. For example, mindfulness practices like daily meditation or practicing gratitude can gradually rewire the brain for better emotional balance, improving overall mental health.

Many people struggle to engage in personal development due to barriers like lack of time, self-doubt, or the overwhelming nature of change. It’s often easier to stay within the comfort of routine and familiarity. However, Dr. Molano emphasizes that ongoing growth is crucial for lasting well-being. Stepping out of these patterns and committing to even small steps of personal growth can lead to profound improvements in emotional health and resilience. If life ever feels stuck on autopilot, incorporating personal development practices can be a powerful way to take charge of your emotional health and create meaningful change.

Actionable Tips for Enhancing Our Mental Health

After reflecting on how your childhood experiences have shaped you, are you ready to take meaningful steps toward enhancing your mental health? Here are some practical strategies you can start implementing today:

1. Prioritize Early Childhood Development: If you’re a parent, know that the early years are a window of opportunity for nurturing emotional health. Spend time reading with your child, engage in interactive play, and encourage their curiosity. Even small moments of attention —like talking about their day—build a sense of security that fosters healthy brain development. Dr. Molano reminds us that this nurturing starts even before birth, with managing maternal stress having a positive impact on your child's emotional outcomes.

2. Adopt a Balanced Diet: What you eat matters more than you think. Try incorporating whole foods—fresh veggies, fruits, healthy fats, and lean proteins—into your meals. These foods support not just your body but also your mental clarity and mood. Avoiding processed foods and sugars can have a huge impact on balancing your emotions by improving gut health. Even small changes, like swapping sugary snacks for nuts or fruits, can make a difference.

3. Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Practicing mindfulness, whether through meditation, journaling, or simple breathing exercises, can help you manage stress and improve your mental clarity. Start small, maybe just five minutes a day, and gradually increase the time as it becomes a habit. These moments of mindfulness help you slow down and tune into how you’re feeling, improving emotional regulation .

4. Move Your Body Regularly: Physical activity is a natural mood booster. Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement each day, but don’t feel pressured to make it intense. Walking, dancing, or stretching can all do wonders for your mood and mental health. The key is consistency—regular movement helps balance stress hormones and keeps your brain functioning optimally.

The Bottom Line

Early experiences play a pivotal role in shaping our mental health, but it’s never too late to make positive changes. By focusing on nurturing development during childhood, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and committing to personal growth, you can build a strong foundation for long-term mental wellness. Small steps, like being mindful of what you eat or incorporating movement into your day, can have lasting effects on both your body and mind.

Clemente-Suárez, V. J., Beltrán-Velasco, A. I., Redondo-Flórez, L., Martín-Rodríguez, A., & Tornero-Aguilera, J. F. (2023). Global impacts of western diet and its effects on metabolism and health: A narrative review. Nutrients , 15 (12), 2749.

Jagtap, A., Jagtap, B., Jagtap, R., Lamture, Y., & Gomase, K. (2023). Effects of prenatal stress on behavior, cognition, and psychopathology: A comprehensive review. Cureus , 15 (10).

Tzouvara, V., Kupdere, P., Wilson, K., Matthews, L., Simpson, A., & Foye, U. (2023). Adverse childhood experiences, mental health, and social functioning: A scoping review of the literature. Child Abuse & Neglect , 139 , 106092.

Ryan C. Warner, Ph.D. , is a sought-after speaker, researcher, consultant, and licensed clinical psychologist. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RC Warner Consulting.

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Neural Oscillation Features of ADHD Symptoms in Children: EEG Evidence from Resting State and Oddball Task

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The current study examined resting-state and event-related neural oscillations associated with ADHD symptoms in children aged 6-12. 77 children were assessed using the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT) and EEG during resting-state. A group of these children also completed a classic visual oddball task. Key findings include increased relative delta activity at left parietal electrodes during eyes-open and decreased relative theta activity at left posterior electrodes during eyes-closed, both associated with poor attention. Increased beta activity at right parieto-occipital electrodes during eyes-open and increased alpha activity at bilateral posterior electrodes during eyes-closed were associated with poor response control. In addition, the power of the P3 component was negatively correlated with attention across most frequency bands and conditions, except for delta power in the standard condition. Furthermore, combining multiple metrics, especially resting-state EEG oscillations, event-related oscillations, and parental ratings, provided a more robust prediction. The current study identified important brain regions and frequency bands related to ADHD symptoms, offering new insights for multi-metric prediction and clinical guidance.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This research is supported by the the Scientific Foundation of Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. E2CX3815CX.

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Institutional Review Board, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences has aproved this study.

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

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What are healthy boundaries?

Types of healthy boundaries, unhealthy boundaries, how to set and maintain boundaries, setting boundaries tip 1: know what you want in a relationship, tip 2: talk to the person about your needs, tip 3: enforce boundaries, how to respond when someone else sets a boundary, setting healthy boundaries in relationships.

Whether you’re dealing with romantic partners, family, friends, or coworkers, maintaining healthy boundaries can help you strengthen relationships, avoid unhealthy connections, and improve your self-esteem and overall well-being.

You might hear the word “boundaries” and imagine walls that separate you from other people. In a sense, that’s true. But boundaries aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, they’re an important ingredient in healthy, balanced relationships. They’re also a crucial part of maintaining your identity, mental health, and physical well-being.

Boundaries can include restrictions on physical actions, such as asking a roommate or partner not to look through your phone or not to interrupt when you’re working from home. They can also be psychological, such as asking your spouse to accept that your goals and dreams may not always be the same as theirs.

Healthy boundaries serve to:

Encourage autonomy and reduce codependent habits .
Set expectations when interacting with others.
Give you a sense of empowerment and self-respect.
Ensure your physical and emotional comfort.
Clarify individual responsibilities in a relationship.
Separate your wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings from those of others.

Without healthy boundaries, your relationships can become toxic and unsatisfying and your well-being can suffer. You might feel taken advantage of if a friend keeps asking for money, for example, or feel overwhelmed by stress if you feel the need to solve all of your partner’s emotional problems. Or if a parent continually invades your privacy, you’ll likely feel resentful. Similarly, if you continually ignore another person’s boundaries, you risk making them feel uncomfortable and damaging the relationship.

Boundaries aren’t just necessary in your personal relationships, though. They’re also needed in the workplace, where coworkers or managers might monopolize your time or disregard your needs. Unhealthy boundaries at work can also follow you home and reduce the quality of your personal life.

One study showed that when boundaries are blurred between personal life and work, people experience more emotional exhaustion and less happiness. On the other hand, setting boundaries, particularly when it comes to job duties, can lead to a greater sense of empowerment.

Learning how to set and maintain boundaries can change many aspects of your life, ranging from work to family relations to dating. It all starts with understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy boundaries.

Personal boundaries can come in many forms. However, not every relationship requires you to address every type of boundary. For example, you might need to set physical restrictions with a coworker but not financial ones.

Physical boundaries help keep you comfortable and safe, not just when you’re dealing with strangers, but also when you’re interacting with those closest to you. For example, you might tell someone that you’d prefer handshakes instead of hugs. Or you could tell a friend that you need to take a rest during a lengthy bike ride. If a physical space belongs to you, you can set limitations around that as well. Perhaps you don’t want someone to intrude in your bedroom or clutter your office with their items.

Sexual boundaries could involve anything from asking for consent before being physically intimate to checking in with your partner’s comfort level during sex. Even if you’ve been with your partner for years, you should make an ongoing habit of communicating your preferences . You might want to reassess limitations and expectations surrounding things like frequency of sex and contraception use.

Emotional boundaries ensure that others are respectful of your emotional well- being and internal comfort level. When setting an emotional boundary, you might say something like, “I don’t want to talk about this subject while I’m at work because I need to focus.” You might also use these barriers to prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed by other people’s feelings. For example, you can acknowledge you’re not responsible for how another person reacts to your decision to turn them down for a second date.

Material/financial boundaries extend to your belongings, such as money, clothing, car, or home. If you’re a charitable person, you might have a hard time saying “no” to people who want to borrow items. However, people may intentionally or unintentionally take advantage of your goodwill, and then you may notice your own resentment building. When setting a material restriction, you might say something like, “You can borrow my phone charger, but please put it back when you’re done” or “No, I can’t loan you money for new shoes.”

[Read: Coping with Financial Stress]

Time boundaries allow you to focus on your priorities at work and in your personal life without feeling crowded by other people’s needs and wants. Imagine that you’ve had a stressful work week and want to spend the weekend recuperating. You might decline a party invite or set a limit on how long you’ll be there. Other time-related restrictions could include asking a friend to avoid calling you during work hours or asking a partner to delay an important conversation until a more convenient time.

Shifting boundaries

Boundaries aren’t etched in stone. You’ll need to adjust them as circumstances change and relationships grow. This can be especially true in long-term relationships. Communication is important as you reevaluate and revise your boundaries. You want the other person to be clear on the change and the reason behind it.

Examples of shifting boundaries

Initial boundary	New boundary
You initially have loose financial boundaries with family members and help them pay bills when necessary.	You lost your job, so you decide to set tighter boundaries to protect your financial well-being.
You often agree to work extra weekend hours to help a coworker.	You cut back on hours so you can spend more time with your newborn.
You allow a friend to vent their emotions to you daily.	The oversharing of information affects your mental health, so you set a limit on how often you talk about the subject.
You and your partner have sex multiple times a week.	Your , and you ask your partner if the two of you can focus on different forms of intimacy.
You allow your brother-in-law to temporarily use your garage for storage.	You need the space for your own needs, so you talk to him about relocating his items.

Unhealthy boundaries often tend to be either too rigid or too porous. Healthy ones fall somewhere between these two extremes.

Rigid boundaries keep other people at a distance, even loved ones. Maybe you refuse to talk about your emotions with your partner or rarely set aside time to meet with friends.
Porous or weak boundaries develop when you have a hard time saying “no” to others. For example, you might be too willing to take on all the responsibilities in a relationship. Or maybe you tend to overshare when talking with strangers.

There are many reasons why people may consistently struggle with unhealthy boundaries, such as:

Desire for control. Some people use boundaries to manipulate others. For example, a person might use rigid boundaries to stonewall conversations, refusing to engage with you until you do what they want.

Fear of rejection. If you’re afraid of a romantic partner walking out of your life because of your flaws, you might hesitate to be emotionally open with them.

Lack of experience with setting limitations. If you grew up surrounded by people who set poor personal boundaries, managing proper ones can be a challenge. You might think that invading other people’s personal space is normal because your parents and siblings regularly did it to you.

Overly agreeable personality. If you’re too eager to please other people, you might allow them to do things that make you uncomfortable. Maybe you regularly overcommit to activities or agree to help people because you simply want to be loved and accepted.

Low self-esteem. You might feel as if your needs and wants aren’t worth vocalizing, or that you don’t have an identity of your own. Instead, you prioritize what other people want. As a result, people fail to recognize your discomfort.

Boundaries and enabling behavior

When someone you love is dealing with addiction , you may need to shift your boundaries to avoid enabling their behavior. Enabling is when you shield someone from the consequences of their actions. For example, you might want to offer to pay their legal bills for a DUI or lie to other people to cover up evidence of a gambling or drug addiction . These kinds of actions may seem helpful in the moment, but you’re actually preventing your loved one from learning from their mistakes.

[Read: Helping Someone with a Drug Addiction]

Enabling isn’t limited to situations that involve addiction. It can happen in other mental health issues. For example, if your loved has social anxiety disorder, you may try to shield them from uncomfortable interactions by speaking up for them in pubic. The result is that they continue to rely on you instead of addressing the issue on their own.

While it’s usually best to start setting boundaries early on in a relationship, establishing healthy rules and limitations can help strengthen a relationship at any stage.

In many cases, you may not even realize a certain restriction is needed until you get to know each other more. For example, it might take you some time to realize that a coworker is regularly distracting you while on the job or that a romantic interest seems too controlling.

The following tips can help you establish boundaries if you are experiencing trouble communicating or connecting with a person in your life.

Whether the relationship is romantic or platonic, it’s hard to have your needs met if you don’t know what they are. Reflecting on your values and beliefs is a good place to start.

Ask yourself questions like:

What traits do I like to see in other relationships?
What behaviors bother me?
What qualities do I admire in others?
What material items matter the most to me and why?
How do I like to spend my time?
What makes me feel fulfilled?

By gaining a more thorough understanding of yourself, you can begin to imagine the types of boundaries you need. If you know that you value independence, you’ll likely want to set financial rules between you and a partner. If you value high productivity or privacy, you might set physical boundaries with coworkers who tend to wander into your workspace.

Assessing how you feel with someone

Thinking about how others make you feel can also help you identify necessary boundaries. After interacting with other people, reflect on your feelings by asking yourself questions.

Did the other person make jokes or comments that made you feel disrespected?
Did they do anything that made you physically uncomfortable or unsafe, such as raise their voice in anger ?
Did you feel pressured to do things that didn’t match your values?
Did you feel overwhelmed by the person’s requests or expectations of you?
Did you feel as if they were infringing on your sense of control or infantilizing you?

A moment of reflection can help you decide whether you need to set limitations with the person in the future.

Knowing how to effectively communicate your needs to others is important. Rushed conversations, poor wording, and vague requests can make it harder for loved ones to understand and respect your ground rules.

Consider timing. The best time to set a boundary with your partner is when you both feel relaxed and can focus on the conversation. If you’re mid-argument, try cooling down and circling back to the conversation once you’re both calm.

Be prepared. Nervous about discussing your needs? Write your points down before the discussion so that you can speak clearly about your needs.

Consider the delivery. Try to use “I” statements to convey how you feel. Avoid “you” statements, which can seem accusatory. For example, say, “I felt overwhelmed with the amount of work I had to take care of while you were away.” Expressing your emotions is a great way to start laying the groundwork for a relationship boundary.

Be clear. A vague request, such as, “I’d like more personal space” may get the message across, but it’s better to be as clear as possible to avoid confusing the other person. Try, “I feel disrespected and uncomfortable when you come into my room unannounced. Please knock before entering.” A calm but firm tone lets the other person know you’re being serious but not disrespectful.

[Read: Effective Communication]

Address feedback. Depending on the boundary, your partner may have questions for you. Know that you don’t need to justify your needs or explain yourself, but doing so may help the other person understand where you’re coming from. You might even ask follow-up questions to ensure the right message was conveyed.

Feedback in romantic relationships

In romantic relationships , it’s especially important to ask your partner how they feel about a request, rather than guessing. Ask if it seems unfair or unusual to them. Or ask whether it conflicts with something they need or want.

Each of you has your own thoughts and feelings, and each person is responsible for putting these sentiments into words in order to be understood.

Let others take responsibility for their emotions. We often feel naturally inclined to care about how other people feel and react to our words and actions. However, you shouldn’t feel responsible for how the other person reacts to the boundary. For example, they might be upset that you’re asking for more “me time.” This could lead you to feel guilty or selfish. Remind yourself why you’re setting the restriction in the first place: You want some time alone to pursue your separate hobbies and avoid feeling emotionally crowded. Don’t feel you have to disregard your own needs.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

Not everyone in your life is going to respect your boundaries all of the time. A partner might accidentally cross one or difficult family members might do so intentionally.

Restate your needs. It’s possible that the other person didn’t understand your original request or simply forgot it. Be calm, firm, and clear about what you need.

Have clear and reasonable consequences for crossing a boundary. If someone has a habit of talking over you, for example, you could say, “I feel disrespected when you talk over me. If you do that again, I’ll have to end the conversation.”

Only state consequences that you’re willing to enforce. If you aren’t willing to follow through on a consequence, the other person will feel empowered to overstep your boundaries in the future. For example, if you tell your partner that you’ll take a break from the relationship if they keep lying to you, it’s important to actually follow through on that.

You’re not the only one who can set boundaries. When someone voices a restriction, you might feel a sense of shame or frustration. Perhaps you feel like you’re being reprimanded or “put in your place.”

You may notice some negative emotions rushing to the surface as you try to immediately defend your actions. Keep in mind that you are not losing anything but gaining knowledge of what makes the person in your life feel safe and happy.

Take time to breathe and listen. If you’re feeling upset, deep, slow breathing can calm your nervous system’s “fight or flight” response. This makes it easier for you to receive information rather than prepare for an argument.

[Read:Quick Stress Relief]

Accept that the person setting the boundary knows what is best for them. If something truly doesn’t work for you, communicate your needs so that you can both reach a compromise.

Remember that you both have your own way of processing and feeling emotions. Try not to assume what your partner needs before they say it out loud. Allow them space to voice their needs and wants.

Apologize when necessary. You’re only human, and we all make mistakes. Maybe you accidentally overstepped a boundary by making an offensive joke or oversharing when you’ve been asked not to. When someone reiterates the boundary, be humble enough to apologize for your mistake. Ask for clarity if you feel you need it.

By learning to accept and acknowledge other people’s boundaries, you can start to think about how you can improve your own connections with others. Ultimately, effective boundaries can leave you both feeling empowered and result in a healthier, more satisfying relationship .

More Information

Boundary Setting Worksheet - Practice crafting “I” statements and other elements of boundary setting. (University of Arkansas)
Boundary Worksheet - Worksheet to practice setting boundaries in different situations. (Pittsburgh Essential Speakers)
Four steps to setting healthy boundaries in your relationship - Tips for setting and maintaining boundaries. (Relate)
7 Tips to Create Healthy Boundaries with Others | Psychology Today . (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2022, from Link
Boundaries: What are they and how to create them | Wellness Center | University of Illinois Chicago . (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2022, from Link
Hornung, S. (2019). Crafting Task and Cognitive Job Boundaries to Enhance Self- Determination, Impact, Meaning and Competence at Work. Behavioral Sciences , 9(12), 136. Link
Pluut, H., & Wonders, J. (2020). Not Able to Lead a Healthy Life When You Need It the Most: Dual Role of Lifestyle Behaviors in the Association of Blurred Work-Life Boundaries With Well- Being. Frontiers in Psychology , 11, 607294. Link
When boundaries are crossed—MSU Extension . (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2022, from Link

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PDF Personal Statement Workshop
Example: UNC-CH Personal Statement Prompt § On a separate page, write a personal statement that includes the following: • a. Description of any work experience relevant to psychology and research (bibliographic, laboratory or other) that you may have done (or are doing) either as part of employment or to complete your present program.
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
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Psychology Personal Statement Example 26. My passion for psychology is deeply rooted in my interest in philosophy, epistemology and the understanding of human happiness. I sincerely believe in the practical benefits of a life spent helping others, fully investing in the cultivation of empathy and compassion...
Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology
In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you're a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story.
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Customize each personal statement to the program or school you are applying. Elaborate on how that particular program can assist you in reaching your goals. During revisions, pay attention to the strength and dynamism of your opening paragraph. Your goal is to hook the readers and give them the desire to keep reading.
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This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement. The effects of psychological trauma can be diffuse and difficult to treat, with wide-ranging causes and an unfortunate range of symptoms. Having witnessed first-hand the consequences ...
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Five things to include in your psychology personal statement. The University of Bristol highlights five elements of a strong, academically focused psychology statement: Ensure it is well structured and well written. Give details of any specific interests or ambitions you have that relate to the content of the course.
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Personal statement example for psychology Here's a sample personal statement for psychology: As a recent graduate from Clinical Health College of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, I am thrilled to apply for admission to the graduate program for clinical psychologists at the College of Professional Psychology at Nashville. I am an enthusiastic student with experience working ...
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Ebony at the University of Gloucestershire highlights a common pitfall in psychology personal statements. "Given the topic, it's not unusual to see personal statements where students have given too much personal information in terms of speaking about their own life events, mental health challenges, learning difficulties, or similar.
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My experience with the first study, an examination of mood effects on time perception, led to other research endeavors on topics including student evaluation of faculty, academic integrity, and comparisons of personality profiles of brain injured individuals. The relevance of two of these projects, academic honesty and student evaluation of ...
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Health Psychology Personal Statement Example 1. I'm sending this personal statement because I'm very inspired to enrol in a master's degree in health psychology, and I want to be considered as a candidate. The grade for my psychology bachelor's degree was a GPA of 3.7. I have always wanted to be a health psychologist, and I believe your ...
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A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs.
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Example personal statement for psychology students Here's a sample personal statement for psychology: I'm excited to apply for admission to the University of Vancouver's graduate program for clinical psychologists as a recent graduate of Clinical Health College of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. I'm a motivated student who has worked in clinical research and volunteered in ...
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British Journal of Health Psychology is an international journal publishing original research on all aspects of psychology related to health and illness. Abstract Objectives Body image disturbance is prevalent in people with endometriosis. ... DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT. The data underlying this study may be shared upon reasonable request with ...
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Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships
Try to use "I" statements to convey how you feel. Avoid "you" statements, which can seem accusatory. For example, say, "I felt overwhelmed with the amount of work I had to take care of while you were away." Expressing your emotions is a great way to start laying the groundwork for a relationship boundary. Be clear.

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