Psychological Trauma and Resilience: Theory, Research, Practice - 48274

Rothberg International School, Hebrew University – Fall Semester 2025 Instructor: Dr. Daniella Erez-Singer | Contact: danielle.erez@gmail.com Schedule: Twice weekly, 1.5 hours per session

Location: [Classroom Location]

 

Course Description

This course explores the psychological impact of trauma from theoretical, clinical, and sociocultural perspectives. Students will examine trauma's definition and evolution, neurobiological underpinnings, psychological/behavioral manifestations, and resilience as a dynamic process. Special emphasis is placed on case studies, site visits, and guest lectures, including a visit to the NOVA site.

 

Learning Objectives

●        Understand key theoretical frameworks for trauma and resilience.

●        Analyze biological, psychological, and social dimensions of trauma.

●        Evaluate therapeutic approaches to trauma recovery and resilience-building.

●        Engage with real-world experiences through site visits and guest lectures.

●        Reflect critically on trauma and resilience narratives and their broader implications.

 

Course Schedule

 

 

Week

Topics

Readings

Assignments

 

 

 

1

 

Introduction to Trauma: Definitions and Historical Context

 

Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery (Ch. 1-2) JOS on order; Ereserve; Van der Kolk, B. (2015). The Body Keeps the Score (Ch. 1) Overseas library 616.85 V225; Ebook

 

 

Reflective Journal 1

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

Neurobiology of Trauma

 

Van der Kolk, B. (2015). The Body Keeps the Score (Ch. 2-3) Overseas library 616.85 V225; Ebook; Porges, S. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory (selected readings) JOS on order

 

 

 

3

 

 

PTSD and Complex Trauma

 

Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (2009). Treatment of Complex Trauma (Ch. 1-2) Overseas library 616.85 C862 (2016 ed.)

 

Case Study Analysis

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

Trauma, Memory, and Narrative

 

Brewin, C. R. (2014). Episodic Memory, Perceptual Memory, and Their Interaction: Foundations for a Theory of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Psychological Bulletin, 140(1), 69–97. Ejournal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Childhood Trauma, Attachment, and Coping Mechanisms: Spiritual Coping and Belonging

 

Siegel, D. (2012). The Developing Mind (Ch. 3-4) Overseas library 155 S571;

 

Spirituality and Spiritual Yearning as Recovery Capital from PTSD (2023) [excerpt] Ejournal;

When trauma, spirituality, and mental illness intersect (2016) [excerpt] Ejournal;

Belongingness Can Protect Against Impact of Trauma (2018) [excerpt];

Is having a sense of belonging important? (2023) [excerpt]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group Discussion

 

 

6

 

 

Vicarious Trauma, Second Generation Trauma, and

 

Newell & MacNeil (2010) Ejournal; Yehuda & Lehrner (2018) Ejournal;

 

 

Group Discussion

 

Intergenerational Transmission (Prenatal Trauma)

Bowers & Yehuda (2016) Ejournal

Reflective Journal

 

 

 

7

 

Site Visit: NOVA Site (Crisis Intervention and Trauma Support)

 

 

 

--

 

 

Reflection Paper Due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Israeli Trauma and Resilience Unique or Similar to Other Cultures?

 

"Hope and Resilience During a Pandemic Among Three Cultural Groups in Israel" (Frontiers in Psychology, 2021) Ejournal;

"Trajectories of Resilience, Resistance, and Distress During Ongoing Terrorism" (2009) Ejournal;

"Israel Trauma Coalition Teaches Resilience Worldwide" (ISRAEL21c) Online access;

"Inescapable Trauma: Israel's Mental Health Crisis After Oct. 7" (Israel Hayom, 2024) Online access;

"Youth in Israel Living in Conflict: Resilience Amid Trauma" (Hope4Israel, 2025) Online access

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group Discussion

 

 

9

 

Guest Lecture: (Hostage

/Survivor Perspective)

 

 

--

 

Reflection Paper Due

 

 

 

10

 

Integrating Recovery: Pathways to Resilience and

Post-Traumatic Growth

 

 

Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

 

 

Final Paper Due

 

 

11

 

Trauma Treatment: Approaches and Efficacy

 

Briere, J. N., & Scott, C. (2014). Principles of Trauma Therapy (Ch. 5-6) Main library RC 552 P67 B7495 2006 (2006)

 

Group Presentation

Assessment

●        Reflective Journals (2) – 15%

●        Case Study Analysis – 15%

●        Site Visit Reflection Paper – 10%

●        Group Presentation – 10%

●        Final Paper – 20%

 

Additional Notes

●        Readings must be completed before each class for active participation.

●        Attendance at the site visit and guest lecture is mandatory.

●        Reflection papers are due one week after the event.

 

Recommended Texts

●        Herman, J. L. Trauma and Recovery (1992) JOS on order

●        Van der Kolk, B. The Body Keeps the Score (2015) Overseas library 616.85 V225; Ebook

●        Porges, S. The Polyvagal Theory (2011) JOS on order

●        Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. Treatment of Complex Trauma (2009) Overseas library 616.85 C862 (2016 ed.)

●        Siegel, D. The Developing Mind (2012) Overseas library 155 S571

●        Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (2004)

 

 

Please reach out during office hours or via email for questions or academic support.