Module Code: H8PSTY
Long Title Psychotraumatology
Title Psychotraumatology
Module Level: LEVEL 8
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 5
Module Coordinator: David Mothersill
Module Author: Robert Fox
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff

PhD in Psychology or related cognate discipline
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of trauma and traumatic-stress related disorders.
LO2 Critically evaluate research relating to the different models and theories of PTSD.
LO3 Gain an in-depth understanding of the aetiology, risk, protective factors, and comorbid psychopathology of PTSD/CPTSD.
LO4 Describe and evaluate a range of treatments for traumatic-stress related disorders.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this module. The programme entry requirements apply.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
History of psychological trauma and PTSD/complex PTSD
Understanding psychological trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) History and foundations of the study of psychological trauma (e.g., shellshock, soldier’s heart, and railroad spine). Changes in the conceptualisations of PTSD across the ICD and DSM classifications The conceptualisation of complex PTSD (CPTSD) Theories of PTSD
Risk/protective factors and comorbid conditions associated with PTSD/CPTSD
Comorbid conditions associated with PTSD/CPTSD (e.g., internalising disorders, substance use) PTSD/CPTSD and physical health Risk factors which predict the onset of PTSD/CPTSD following trauma exposure Protective factors that reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD/CPTSD symptoms Preventing PTSD
Trauma and psychopathology
Epidemiology of traumatic events The relationship between trauma exposure and psychopathology
Other traumatic stress disorders/posttraumatic reactions
Disorders specifically associated with stress’ in the ICD-11 ‘Trauma- and stressor-related disorders’ in the DSM-5 Trauma and dissociation
Assessment of PTSD
Methodological considerations for studying PTSD Statistical bias in assessing and diagnosing PTSD symptomatology Sociodemographic biases of the clinical structure of PTSD (e.g., across age, sex) Discussing empirical evidence comparing clinical structure of PTSD in ICD-11 vs DSM-5 Trajectories of PTSD response
Posttraumatic growth and resilience
What is posttraumatic growth? Correlates of posttraumatic growth
Treatment of traumatic-stress related disorders
Evidence-based treatments for PTSD Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Prolonged Exposure Therapy Cognitive Processing Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Other treatments
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Students will be presented with a selection of essay topics. They will be required to answer one of these. Students will be required to critically evaluate the current research in the area and demonstrate a comprehensive and extensive understanding of the topic.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
Reassessment Description
Students must attempt all assessment components. If the student fails the module overall, they must repeat all failed, missed, or deferred assessments.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 113 Per Semester 9.42
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Friedman, M. J., Schnurr, P. P., & Keane, T. M.. (2021), Handbook of PTSD: Science and practice, 3rd ed. Guilford Press.
  • Ford, J. D., Grasso, D. J., Elhai, J. D. & Courtois, C. A. (2015), Posttraumatic stress disorder: Scientific and professional dimensions, Elsevier.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Herman, J. (2015), Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence from domestic abuse to political terror, Basic Books.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • [Journal], British Journal of Psychiatry.
  • [Journal], Depression & Anxiety.
  • [Journal], Journal of Traumatic Stress.
  • [Journal], European Journal of Psychotraumatology.
  • [Journal], Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science.
Discussion Note: