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There are 8 modules in this course
Trauma is a near-universal human experience that affects 90% of people at some point in their lives. This course offers a powerful research-based foundation in the psychology of trauma, designed for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the topic, whether for professional growth or personal insight.
In the first three modules, you'll explore what trauma is, the different forms it can take, and how it impacts the mind and body. The next two modules dive into trauma-related psychological disorders, including PTSD, acute stress disorder, and dissociative disorders. Throughout, we will use case studies to illustrate the nature of these disorders. You’ll also learn about the factors that foster resilience and how mental health care professionals support recovery.
Whether you're curious about the psychological impact of trauma or looking to build a foundational understanding for personal or professional interest, this course offers accessible, research-informed insights that can deepen your knowledge about trauma and prepare you for further exploration of the topic.
This module introduces you to your PsycLearn Essentials course. Find out what’s included in this course and how to navigate the modules and lessons. You’ll also learn valuable study tips for successful learning.
What's included
8 readings
Show info about module content
8 readings•Total 29 minutes
A Welcome Note From Your Instructor•3 minutes
Welcome to PsycLearn Essentials•3 minutes
How to Earn Certificates•2 minutes
Survey: What Would You Like to See Next?•5 minutes
What’s in Your Course•5 minutes
Study Tips for Success in PsycLearn Essentials•5 minutes
Additional Information •5 minutes
Representation in Research•1 minute
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module provides an introduction to psychological disorders. Key terms, such as psychopathology and psychological disorder, are defined. The process of diagnosis is discussed and the two dominant diagnostic schemes in mental health are explained. Finally, cultural issues in diagnosis are identified.
What's included
3 videos6 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 11 minutes
Course Introduction and Learning Objectives•4 minutes
Psychological Disorders and Psychopathology•3 minutes
Symptoms, Syndromes, and Diagnoses•4 minutes
6 readings•Total 45 minutes
Important Information About the Course•5 minutes
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives•5 minutes
Follow-Up to Psychological Disorders and Psychopathology•10 minutes
Talking About People With Psychological Disorders•5 minutes
Standardizing Diagnoses•10 minutes
Key Takeaways: Introduction to Psychological Disorders•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 20 minutes
Module Quiz•10 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Overview of Psychological Disorders•10 minutes
Introduction to Trauma
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module will introduce you to the nature of trauma, explain what differentiates trauma from stress, and talk about the three different types of trauma.
What's included
2 videos11 readings3 assignments
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 8 minutes
Complex Trauma•3 minutes
Resilience in the Face of Trauma•5 minutes
11 readings•Total 105 minutes
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives•5 minutes
What are Stress and Trauma?•10 minutes
The Physiological Response to Stressors•10 minutes
The Psychological Response to Stressors•10 minutes
Introduction to Different Types of Trauma•10 minutes
Acute Trauma•10 minutes
Chronic Trauma•10 minutes
Follow-Up to Complex Trauma•10 minutes
Another Category of Trauma•10 minutes
Follow-Up to Resilience in the Face of Trauma•10 minutes
Key Takeaways: Introduction to Trauma•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 42 minutes
Module Quiz: Introduction to Trauma•22 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Introducing Stress and Trauma•10 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Introducing Stress and Trauma•10 minutes
Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module will provide information about two of the stress disorders: acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. In it, you will learn about what these disorders are, how they are diagnosed, the rates at which different groups are diagnosed with the disorders, the factors that make the disorders more or less severe, and how the disorders are best treated.
What's included
2 videos9 readings4 assignments
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 8 minutes
Treatment of Stress Disorders•5 minutes
Growth After Stress Disorders•2 minutes
9 readings•Total 95 minutes
Module Introduction and Learning Objectives•5 minutes
Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder•10 minutes
Characteristics of Stress Disorders•10 minutes
Diagnostic Criteria and Prevalence Rates of Stress Disorders•10 minutes
Stress Disorders in Epidemics and Pandemics•10 minutes
Factors that Affect the Risk of Developing Stress Disorders•20 minutes
Follow-Up to Treatment of and Growth After Stress Disorders•10 minutes
A Story of PTSD Recovery•10 minutes
Key Takeaways: Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 42 minutes
Module Quiz: Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder•14 minutes
Check Your Understanding: An Introduction to the Stress Disorders•6 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Characteristics of Stress Disorders•14 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Moving Beyond Stress Disorders•8 minutes
Dissociative Disorders
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
In addition to acute stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma can lead to a variety of dissociative disorders. This module explains the nature of these disorders, how they are diagnosed, and how they may arise from traumatic experiences.
Dissociative Amnesia Case Studies: Brandon and Hannah•10 minutes
Dissociative Identity Disorder•10 minutes
Is Dissociative Identity Disorder Real?•10 minutes
Trauma and Dissociative Disorders•10 minutes
Treatment of Dissociative Disorders•15 minutes
Key Takeaways: Dissociative Disorders•15 minutes
4 assignments•Total 56 minutes
Module Quiz: Dissociative Disorders•20 minutes
Check Your Understanding: And Introduction to Dissociative Disorders•6 minutes
Check Your Understanding: The Dissociative Disorders•16 minutes
Check Your Understanding: Causes and Treatments of Dissociative Disorders•14 minutes
Course Summary
Module 6•2 hours to complete
Module details
This module will help you review the important concepts of the course and prepare you for the cumulative quiz. The module is broken down by learning objective, with each lesson containing key takeaways and key terms relevant to that learning objective.
What's included
1 video15 readings
Show info about module content
1 video•Total 3 minutes
Welcome to the Course Summary•3 minutes
15 readings•Total 123 minutes
Key Takeaways•10 minutes
Key Terms•5 minutes
Key Takeaways•10 minutes
Key Terms•5 minutes
Key Takeaways•10 minutes
Key Terms•4 minutes
Key Takeaways•10 minutes
Key Terms•5 minutes
Key Takeaways•10 minutes
Key Terms•10 minutes
Key Visuals•10 minutes
Key Takeaways•15 minutes
Key Terms•10 minutes
Key Takeaways•5 minutes
Key Terms•4 minutes
Cumulative Quiz
Module 7•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module contains a quiz covering all of the material in this course. It will count for 30% of your total course grade, so make sure you’ve reviewed the material well. Good luck!
What's included
1 reading1 assignment
Show info about module content
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
Instructor's Note: Next Steps•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Cumulative Quiz: Disorders Related to Trauma•30 minutes
Course Resources
Module 8•22 minutes to complete
Module details
This module contains a glossary, course references and contributors, and additional APA student resources.
What's included
11 readings
Show info about module content
11 readings•Total 22 minutes
Glossary•1 minute
References•1 minute
Contributors•1 minute
Introduction to APA Resources•5 minutes
Student Resources•2 minutes
APA Style®, Research, and Writing•2 minutes
Students from Diverse Ethnic, Cultural, and Economic Backgrounds•2 minutes
Psychology Help Center•2 minutes
Psychology Careers•2 minutes
Careers and Internships at APA•2 minutes
Other APA Resources•2 minutes
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APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 146,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. Its mission is to promote the advancement, communication, and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.
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