This seminar course will introduce the study of traumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Students in this course will learn about the history of PTSD, as well as theoretical frameworks for understanding the effects of traumatic stress on individual psychological functioning. We will also cover the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals who have experienced traumatic stress. Careful attention will be paid to the various contextual factors that influence both exposure and responses to violence, including developmental stage, gender, and race/ethnicity. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify the range of experiences that constitute traumatic stress and the ways by which these experiences affect psychological functioning. Students will also have a better understanding of current evidenced-based practices used in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic stress.
- Teacher: Maria Galano