Seminar: Psychological Trauma

Recent national and international events (terrorist attacks of 9-11, the 2004 tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the war in Iraq) as well as elevated rates of interpersonal and community violence, have increased public awareness of psychological trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Great strides have been made in terms of defining trauma and PTSD, identifying risk and resiliency factors, and developing evidence-based treatments. Nevertheless, the field continues to be challenged ny evolving diagnostic criteria and controversy (e.g., the repressed memory debate, multiple personality, and false disability claims). This seminar explores the meaning of psychological trauma and its impact on the individual and society. Social, psychological, and biological theories will be considered. In addition, we will examine past and current definitions of trauma and PTSD, risk and resiliency factors, various treatment approaches, and current controversies in the field.

Dept. permission required.