Psychology of Trauma

Catalog description

This psychology of trauma course explores the ways in which traumatic events are experienced, the definitions of the events, themselves, and the range of posttraumatic reactions. These reactions, as varied as victims themselves, can affect cognitive, emotional, biological/physical and interpersonal aspects of functioning. Students in this course will receive an overview of the epidemiology of potentially traumatic events, the theories underlying their impact and the range of posttraumatic reactions. Special topics will be explored with an emphasis on interpersonal trauma. Societal, cultural, and historical influences on views of trauma will also be discussed. Offered in spring.