MPO 303 Stress and Trauma in the Military Context
This 3- credit course is designed to provide a sound theoretical exploration of the phenomenon as a foundation for the scientific investigation of stress and trauma in the military context. The course is designed for Ph.D. students in Medical and Clinical Psychology and Nursing who are interested in the phenomenon of trauma and its diverse manifestations throughout the lifespan conceptualized through the lens of the military environment. Students will: 1) explore trauma through an examination of biological, psychological and sociological models of stress and the stress response; 2) investigate developmental precursors to trauma including the developmental context of trauma as well as repeated and prolonged exposures throughout the lifespan; 3) consider the broader impact of trauma influencing relationships, families and communities; 4) identify and explore sources of trauma unique to the military environment; 5) critically appraise current research on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of trauma and its sequelae; 6) develop understanding of and gain appreciation for interdisciplinary perspectives on trauma by working collaboratively across disciplines throughout the class culminating in a final project.