Adapting to Adversity
PSY 980AA
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Approximately 70% of people will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime. Yet, while some individuals will recover naturally, others will experience lasting effects on how they think, feel, and behave. Together we will explore the many ways humans adapt to adversity and consider reconceptualizing disorders that arise from traumatic and stressful events (e.g., trauma- and stressor-related disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, substance use, and more). The course will also provide an expansive view of how people adapt to adversity, including natural recovery and post-traumatic growth. We will take a deep dive into understanding diagnostic criteria of trauma-related disorders (and the application of criteria across cultural groups) and explore why some people are more vulnerable to developing traumatic stress. We will also consider factors impacting recovery, evidence-based treatments for trauma-related disorders, and related controversies in the field.
Recommended Prep
The Psychology Department requires completion of Science of Living Systems 20 or Psychology 1 or the equivalent of introductory psychology (e.g. Psych AP=5 or IB =7 or Psyc S-1) and PSY 18 or PSY 1861 before enrolling in this course; or permission of instructor.
Not Available for Cross Registration
