A test case with Dr Amna Zaqout
This midday talk will take place online, please join our mailing list for the link. This will be sent out the week before and again on the day of the talk.
This session highlights the value of combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in understanding psychological experiences. While psychometric tools help identify key patterns, qualitative methods provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of human experience. Drawing on my research with children, the session uses children’s drawings as an example to demonstrate how visual expression can offer insight into children’s inner worlds, particularly in relation to self-concept and emotional experience.
Speaker biography
Dr Amna Zaqout is a mental health researcher, practitioner, and former Associate Professor with over 20 years of academic and field experience. Originally from Gaza, she has taught across several universities, contributing to teaching, research, and academic leadership in the field of mental health.
Her work bridges qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand psychological experiences across different groups, including children and women, particularly in contexts of trauma and self-concept. She has published a number of research papers and books, and has delivered over 1,000 hours of training through her work as a coach in personal development with a wide range of non-governmental organisations in Gaza, as well as with UNRWA.
She is also the founder and former General Director of a non-governmental organisation, which she led for 10 years. In this role, she managed a team of 43 staff members and developed a comprehensive psychological training guide to support field practitioners working with vulnerable populations.
Alongside her academic work, Dr Zaqout currently works as a chef trainer in London, integrating mental health and wellbeing into food education. She also volunteers with the British Red Cross, supporting refugee and migrant communities. She also maintains an active presence on social media, where she shares insights on mental health, wellbeing, healthy food, and personal growth.