Personal Statement

[Pretty_Penny]

Hi all!

I have read the Kiss of Death article in regard to the personal statement and know that you shouldn't talk about anything too personal... but what if your research interests are directly tied to something personal?

For example, I was in an abusive relationship that left me with pretty low self-esteem. Now, that isn't the main topic of my personal statement by any means, but it did influence the variables I chose to examine for my senior honors thesis (as I looked at two variables to see whether they were predictors of self-esteem, whether they interacted, etc.)

Also, I want to keep up this study of adjustment to adverse situations and self-esteem in grad school. Now I myself no longer have any problems, but it did inspire me toward a certain line of research, if only to inspire me to look at adjustment/resilience and predictors of self-esteem. It's hard to talk about my interests without at least acknowledging the situation.

The faculty members I have had read my PS think I handled the topic tactfully... but that is just their reaction.

Opinions?

[DarwinAG]

I have seen statements like that. It's a gamble. But if you can pull it off it certainly helps you stand out. The general consensus is do not talk about it. The statement just needs to get you an interview.

[PsychGirl1]

Concur with Darwin. If you do mention it, do it vaguely. As in, "While growing up, I became aware of how self-esteem could be affected by xyz whatever. This intrigue led me to study xyz in my senior thesis blahblah". Maybe somewhere between what I said and what you said. To paraphrase someone in this baord, you don't want to come across as if you're going into research to discover yourself- you want to come across as if you're going into research because you have a passion for learning and furthering knowledge. It's fine to be inspired by events in your life and in the life of others, but getting into too much detail can really backfire. Then again, if you've had faculty members review it and they think you handled it well, then go for it. But if you can pare it down, it will be less of a risk.

[Pretty_Penny]

Thanks for your responses! I think your're right. I'm having one more faculty member read it and then I will see what I can do. Most schools want a statement of purpose rather than a personal statement so it really doesn't affect many of my applications.

[gilbertrollins]

I think everyone's research interests are tied to something personal. You can mention the abuse without going into details, which may come off as a pity sale. The important part of the statement is how the research then motivated your continued interest, which you should discuss in detail.

[ILuvPsych2013]

Agree with all! Your interests are what they are for a reason...that being said, you want to come off as inspired and motivated rather than a victim. Best of luck!

[lewin]

I'm in the "anti personal stuff" camp. It's not just because it suggests "me-search" but also because it suggests a lack of professional boundaries. Research statements aren't the place for self-disclosure of that type. Instead I might mention how you're interested in self-esteem because of its far-reaching consequences for happiness, health, relationships, etc. But that's just me, the judgment of the professors who have read your statement is probably more accurate.

By the way, my department does extensive work on self-esteem and relationships. If you are open to applying to a Canadian university and want details, send me a PM.