Understanding Stress: Mechanisms, Impacts and Interventions - PSY00124M

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Module summary

This module explores the current understanding regarding the interplay between stress biology, cognitive processes and mental health. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving our stress responses, the role of genetics and life experiences, and evidence-based strategies for resilience and coping. The module also involves hands-on practical training with measures of stress physiology and mindfulness practice.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2026-27

Module aims

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of stress, integrating the role of biological, psychological, and social factors. It examines the mechanisms underlying stress responses, including the role of the HPA axis, central nervous system and other biological systems in addition to the cognitive processes involved. It also explores the relationship between how we cope with stress and our mental health. Through delving into life experiences, trauma and coping mechanisms, the module fosters critical thinking and equips students with evidence-based approaches to researching and understanding the growing field of resilience and stress management both in and outside of the clinical context.

Through predominant reliance on primary source materials, experiential component and psychophysiological data collection, the module seeks to develop advanced academic and transferable skills, including critical analysis, synthesis of multidisciplinary research and effective communication preparing students in the area of stress for both academic and professional mental health contexts.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underpinning stress, including the HPA axis, central nervous system, gut-brain axis and immune and cardiovascular systems more broadly.
• Critically evaluate how genetics, cognitive processes, and life experiences interact to shape individual stress responses.
• Assess the impact of stress on mental health, including links to anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions.
• Develop innovative perspectives on interventions for stress reduction, grounded in evidence-based practices.
• Design and communicate a research-informed proposal related to stress mechanisms or interventions.
• Evaluate and apply methods for stress assessment and reduction in real-world or clinical settings.
• Reflect on the relevance of stress-related knowledge to professional practice and personal well-being.

Module content

This module explores stress from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Below is a detailed breakdown of indicative weekly topics (order and specific focus may vary):

• Introduction to Stress
• The HPA Axis and Core Biological Systems
• Genetics and Predispositions
• The CNS and Stress
• Looking Beyond the Brain
• Life Events and Defining Trauma
• Childhood Trauma
• Stress Perception and Coping
• Cognition and Stress
• Personality and Stress
• Stress Reduction Techniques
• Stress and Mental Health

This module content integrates biological, psychological, and social perspectives, offering an evidence based and integrated understanding of stress. The relationship of stress with mental health is core throughout in addition to a strong focus on the way our coping strategies, cognitive processes and behaviours influence this. Through practical sessions students will engage with both mindfulness training and heart rate variability measurement enabling them to gain the tools necessary for both academic research and real world application.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100.0

Module feedback

The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.

Indicative reading

N/A