PSYC 2300 - Psychology of Adjustment

Prerequisite: PSYC-1010

Objectives:

1. Summarize appropriate research on the connection between daily events and stress.
2. Identify ways to promote and maintain adjustment in daily life.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the impact of coping strategies on common sources of stress.

Objectives:

1. Identify two ways in which stress can impact both physiological and psychological health
2. Describe three effective coping strategies and explain how they minimize stress.
3. Describe the role of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors in the reaction to and ability to cope with stress.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the factors necessary to create and maintain effective social relationships

Objectives:

1. Describe at least four social factors that influence communication in relationships
2. Identify three effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills that influence positive relations
3. Summarize the role of context in relationship communication.
4. Summarize the research findings on same gender friendships, opposite gender friendships and romantic relationships (both heterosexual and homosexual).

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply daily living to the psychological principles of adjustment.

Objectives:

1. List three social and/or cultural factors that contribute to identity development.
2. Describe three theories of identity development.
3. Summarize the role of personality in identity development.
4. Name common difficulties that may occur in the process of identity development.

1. Stress
   1. Stressors
   2. Stress Management
2. Physical Health
   1. Effects of Stress on Health
   2. Adjustment and Health
3. Psychological Disorders
   1. Definitions
   2. Causes
   3. Theoretical perspectives
4. Social Thinking
   1. Conformity
   2. Prejudice
   3. Group Influence
5. Interpersonal Communications
   1. Cross‐cultural Perspectives
   2. Communication
6. Friendship and Love
7. Marriage and Committed Relationships
8. Gender
   1. Gender Definitions
   2. Theories of Identification
   3. Impact of Gender Roles
9. Sexuality
   1. Heterosexuality
   2. Homosexuality
   3. Scientific Evidence
10. Careers