Information
| Unit | FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND LETTERS |
| PSYCHOLOGY PR. | |
| Code | PSI481 |
| Name | Disaster and Trauma Psychology |
| Term | 2026-2027 Academic Year |
| Semester | 7. Semester |
| Duration (T+A) | 3-0 (T-A) (17 Week) |
| ECTS | 5 ECTS |
| National Credit | 3 National Credit |
| Teaching Language | Türkçe |
| Level | Lisans Dersi |
| Type | Normal |
| Label | E Elective |
| Mode of study | Yüz Yüze Öğretim |
| Catalog Information Coordinator | Dr. Öğr. Üyesi BATTAL GÖKTÜRK GÖK |
| Course Instructor |
Dr. Öğr. Üyesi BATTAL GÖKTÜRK GÖK
(Güz)
(A Group)
(Ins. in Charge)
|
Course Goal / Objective
The aim of this course is to enable students to approach the concepts of trauma and disaster from a multidimensional perspective; and to enable them to recognise and discuss the psychological impacts of traumatic events and disasters at both the individual and societal levels, the associated psychopathologies (post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, complex trauma, loss and bereavement, etc.), theoretical approaches, assessment processes, and evidence-based intervention strategies from a scientific and critical standpoint.
Course Content
The course content consists of the historical and theoretical foundations of trauma and disaster concepts; types and classification of traumatic events; post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder, and other trauma-related disorders; disasters worldwide and in Türkiye; national disaster organization, disaster preparedness, AFAD, TAMP, and TARAP; stages of disaster and its psychosocial impact; fundamental principles of disaster psychology and psychosocial intervention approaches; psychological first aid and crisis intervention; trauma in children and adolescents; evidence-based trauma treatments (CBT, EMDR, prolonged exposure); loss and bereavement; complex trauma; secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, post-traumatic growth, and ethical issues.
Course Precondition
Although there are no official prerequisites, since the course requires a basic understanding of the nature of psychopathologies, students are expected to have successfully completed PSI303 Psychopathology 1 and PSI304 Psychopathology 2.
Resources
Briere, J. N., & Scott, C. (2014). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment (2nd ed., DSM-5 update). SAGE Publications.
Notes
Keser, E. (Ed.). (2021). Kayıp ve yas psikolojisi. Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık. The sources listed above are representative core readings; additional books, practice guides for field workers, national and international guidelines, test manuals, and current articles in trauma and disaster psychology will be shared in the relevant weeks.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Order | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| LO01 | Defines the concepts, types and historical-theoretical foundations of trauma and disasters. |
| LO02 | Explains the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, acute stress disorder, complex trauma and other trauma-related disorders. |
| LO03 | Explains Türkiye's national disaster management structure (AFAD, TAMP, TARAP) and the roles and responsibilities of the psychologist within this structure. |
| LO04 | Plans psychosocial interventions following a disaster. |
| LO05 | Anticipates psychosocial issues that may arise from working in the field of disasters and emergencies. |
| LO06 | Discusses the principles of post-traumatic psychological assessment, clinical interview techniques and standardised measurement tools. |
| LO07 | Classifies the psychological first aid, crisis intervention, and psychosocial support methods applied in disaster and crisis situations. |
| LO08 | Compares evidence-based treatment approaches for trauma (CBT, EMDR, prolonged exposure) and evaluates the evidence of their effectiveness. |
| LO09 | Explains the concepts of secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, post-traumatic growth, and the ethical responsibilities of working in the field of trauma. |
Relation with Program Learning Outcome
| Order | Type | Program Learning Outcomes | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLO01 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Explains the approaches and concepts related to the theoretical and application areas of psychology. | 4 |
| PLO02 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Comprehends other basic sciences (eg, sociology, biology, philosophy) related to psychology, and establishes a multidisciplinary perspective. | |
| PLO03 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Explains the development of psychology from the historical perspective | |
| PLO04 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Applies the knowledge of psychology for the application areas | 3 |
| PLO05 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Applies the methods and techniques of psychology by developing scientific understanding, critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. | |
| PLO06 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Studies human cognitive, emotional and behavioral processes with scientific methods. | 4 |
| PLO07 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Conducts basic and applied psychology research | |
| PLO08 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Applies the methods and techniques of psychology in an interdisciplinary team. | |
| PLO09 | Bilgi - Kuramsal, Olgusal | Uses knowledge of psychology to serve society and humanity on the basis of universal and national needs | 5 |
| PLO10 | Beceriler - Bilişsel, Uygulamalı | Demonstrates a sense of responsibility as an individual and team member in solving problems related to the area. | 5 |
| PLO11 | Yetkinlikler - Öğrenme Yetkinliği | Demonstrates life-long learning and research awareness. | |
| PLO12 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | Effectively shows his knowledge and skills among experts and non-specialists. | 4 |
| PLO13 | Yetkinlikler - İletişim ve Sosyal Yetkinlik | Use information and communication technologies effectively. | |
| PLO14 | Yetkinlikler - Bağımsız Çalışabilme ve Sorumluluk Alabilme Yetkinliği | Shows awareness of events and developments on the agenda of the society and the world. | 5 |
| PLO15 | Yetkinlikler - Alana Özgü Yetkinlik | Demonstrates a sense of professional responsibility expressed in the Code of Ethics of The Turkish Psychological Association. | 5 |
Week Plan
| Week | Topic | Preparation | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Course: Historical Development of Trauma and Disaster Studies | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 2 | Trauma and Disaster: Basic Concepts, Definitions, and Types | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 3 | Disasters in the World and in Türkiye | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 4 | National Disaster Organization: Disaster Preparedness, AFAD, TAMP, and TARAP | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 5 | Disaster: Stages and Psychosocial Impact | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 6 | The Nature of the Psychological Impact of Disasters: Conservation of Resources Theory | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 7 | Trauma in Children and Adolescents: Impacts of Disaster and Intervention Approaches | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 8 | Mid-Term Exam | Review of Weeks 1-7 | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav |
| 9 | The Traumatic Stress Impact of Disasters: The ripple effect of trauma, secondary victims and disaster and emergency workers | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 10 | Post-Traumatic Psychological Assessment: Clinical Interviews and Assessment Tools | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 11 | Post-Disaster Psychosocial Interventions: General Principles | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 12 | Psychological First Aid and Crisis Intervention in Disasters | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 13 | Loss and Bereavement | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 14 | Complex PTSD, Childhood Traumas, and Developmental Trauma | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 15 | Secondary Traumatic Stress, Compassion Fatigue, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Ethical Issues | Preliminary research, reading | Öğretim Yöntemleri: Anlatım, Soru-Cevap, Tartışma, Beyin Fırtınası |
| 16 | Term Exams | Comprehensive Review | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav |
| 17 | Term Exams | Comprehensive Review | Ölçme Yöntemleri: Yazılı Sınav |
Student Workload - ECTS
| Works | Number | Time (Hour) | Workload (Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Related Works | |||
| Class Time (Exam weeks are excluded) | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Out of Class Study (Preliminary Work, Practice) | 14 | 3 | 42 |
| Assesment Related Works | |||
| Homeworks, Projects, Others | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mid-term Exams (Written, Oral, etc.) | 1 | 16 | 16 |
| Final Exam | 1 | 25 | 25 |
| Total Workload (Hour) | 125 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 (h) | 5,00 | ||
| ECTS | 5 ECTS | ||