I was unsure what embarking on a new learning journey into psychology with a background in sociology and humanitarian work will look like. My quest was to grapple with human behaviour and psychological complaints and how those intertwine with individual, structural, and environmental factors. Despite ups and downs, doubts and struggles, my year in Aberdeen turned out better than I had expected. It was an encompassing introduction to psychology. I learned a lot; chiefly, there is still a lot to learn.
What one gains from this year depends a lot on how much time and effort one puts into engaging with professors, discussing with friends, and prioritising readings- diving into some and skimming through others. By and large, I enjoyed all subjects, but more the topics closer to my interests. Clinical psychology in action was a brilliant hands-on course delivered by passionate charted clinical psychologists. We learned to centre service users' interests while critically working with comprehensive case formulation aligning with recent knowledge and validated regulations. Neuropsychology was another exceptional course where professors critically engaged with cutting-edge research and fundamental past studies.
The prize came as a wonderful surprise. I was lucky to research a topic I am personally interested in. The research was very challenging and rewarding, particularly, conducting statistical analysis, and putting it in dialogue with a rich qualitative analysis, making the best out of a mixed-method design. I am grateful to my supervisors, Dr Ceri Trevethan and Dr Evelyn Jannetta for their support. We researched vicarious trauma in humanitarian workers, and how emotion regulation strategies, history of past trauma, and structural factors impact various psychological presentations. The study yielded concrete recommendations both for trauma research and occupational health. Currently, I am working as an honorary assistant psychologist, and I am considering doctoral training in clinical psychology with a focus on trauma therapy.
Hind Akooly completed the MSc Psychological Studies in January 2023.
