Impact of Trauma on Mental Health MED5616

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Health and Wellbeing
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Repeated in Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Taught Wholly by Distance Learning: Yes

Short Description

This course outlines the process of psychosocial adjustment to a trauma or adverse life event allowing participants to establish when a distress reaction develops into a psychological or adjustment disorder. The implications of diagnosis are explored, and evidence considered allowing informed decisions about appropriate referrals to other agencies.

Timetable

Online content delivered as a ten-week progressive training resource

Requirements of Entry

At least a second-class Honours degree in a relevant degree (e.g. psychology, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, law, public health or public policy) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. A registerable health-care professional qualification will also be acceptable. A background (study, work or volunteer activities) in a mental health-related field is desirable but not essential.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

(1) 30% focusing on one ILO equivalent of 500 words transcript

(2) 70% response to questions focusing on 2 ILOs (900 words).

Course Aims

The links between trauma and psychological wellbeing are introduced and explored. Factors associated with increased risk of adverse psychological outcomes are considered and various approaches to prevention are evaluated.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically appraise the scientific literature to justify potential concerns relating to psycho-social adjustment post-trauma

■ Critically evaluate the scientific literature to recognise and identify psychological disorders.

■ Assess the strengths and weaknesses of a range of psycho-social support options for individuals and those closest to them, post-trauma.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.