Psychology

The goal of this seminar will be to develop a deep understanding of the appropriate and inappropriate uses of the concept of stress in behavioral research.  We will begin with the historical introduction of the terms stress and its counterpart homeostasis by Hans Selye and James Canon.  We will then explore the uses of the concept in the modern literature and the problems inherent in the concept.  As a group we will write a white paper on the concept developing verbage that can be used in grants and publications by all members of the seminar (with acknowledgement of the seminar in published uses).  The seminar is open to all graduate students in good standing and post-doctoral fellows.  No specific prerequisites are required, however, all students are expected to attend each session and contribute to discussions and writing project.  Specific topics will be determined by student interest but anticipated topics include the following:

Physiological regulation of stress response systems

Acute vs. chronic stress

Physiological and behavioral measures of stress

Neurobiology of stress

Stress and epigenetics

Individual differences in stress reactivity

Stress related psychological disorders