Course description
This course explores the psychological impact of trauma from many different sources, including military combat, accidents and life-threatening events, interpersonal violence and sexual assaults, natural disasters, and childhood physical and sexual abuse. Our emphasis is on the psychological theories used to explain and treat symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While discussing PTSD, we cover diagnostic methods, research on prevalence and policy issues, comorbid psychological and medical diagnoses, and social correlates. In addition to exploring the challenges associated with PTSD, we discuss mechanisms of positive change following a traumatic event, such as post-traumatic growth. Lectures on course topics are designed to be as interactive as possible by utilizing multimedia, in-class activities, small group discussions, and reflection assignments.
