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.
Disorders Related To Trauma
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Different types of trauma, their definitions, and the range of potential outcomes—both negative and positive—that can follow traumatic experiences
How PTSD, acute stress disorder, and dissociative disorders are understood, diagnosed and treated by clinicians
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
October 2025
Assessments
14 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 8 modules in this course
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
7 readings
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
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
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
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.
What's included
2 videos10 readings4 assignments
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
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
This module contains a glossary, course references, and a list of contributors to the course.
What's included
3 readings
Instructor
Offered by
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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