UIST 110 - Trauma: Mind-Body Experience

3 credit(s)
This class aims to integrate the two fields of biology and psychology in understanding how trauma is experienced, the impact trauma has on brain functioning, and how changes in brain functioning contribute to the development and continuation of post-traumatic symptomatology. Specifically, the fields of biology and neuroscience will be used to explain how the brain processes traumatic experiences. Topics of discussion will include physiological responses to stress and trauma, structure of the brain, brain circuitry activation, and the formation of memories. How these biological functions translate into the experience of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions will incorporate psychological perspectives including learning theory and cognitive behavioral theory. In essence, the class will examine how the body and the mind simultaneously experience trauma. Exploring why some individuals develop long-lasting difficulties as a result of trauma will also take memory formation, attachment theory, relationship formation, and self-efficacy into consideration. The concepts of resiliency and post-traumatic growth will be discussed, as well as the role of self-care in building resiliency and coping with trauma.

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