Master of Science in Stress and Health Management (MSSHM)

This course aims to introduce students to the basic concepts of stress. It begins with a thorough explanation of stress as an essential system for human survival and adaptation and presents the broad spectrum of internal/external stressors that challenge the internal equilibrium called homeostasis. Certain models of the stress-response physiology and the regulation mechanisms are presented, as well as the ways to effectively recognize and measure stress. Further topics include individual differences in the stress response, an overview of the pathophysiology generated by the chronic hyper-activation and chronic hypo-activation of the stress system, and the role of genetics and epigenetics in the current field of stress research. Students are expected to generate a written assignment on the basic concepts of stress and proceed to an oral presentation in class. Prerequisites: None Credits 3

It examines the basic concepts of stress biology and medicine, emphasizing the field of psycho-neuroendocrinology. It begins with the pivotal mechanisms through which DNA is transcribed and translated to functional proteins, describes the anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems including the centers of the stress system and examines both the normal function and the dysfunction of the stress system. Learning topics include the mechanisms through which stress is associated with the so-called chronic non-communicable disorders. Separate lectures will cover the effects of stress on immune function, reproduction, and healthy and unhealthy aging. Students will learn the mechanisms of inter-cellular communication and the fundamental concepts of neurotransmitters and hormones. Finally, students learn to effectively apply stress management methods and to monitor their efficacy through specific biomarkers.Prerequisites: None Credits 3

In this course students are given the opportunity to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and evaluate research findings for their master thesis research proposal. Topics include types of variables and research design, procedures, instrumentation, and other forms of data collection. Methods applied to program evaluation are also discussed. Masters’ candidates are expected to generate academically sound research proposals, according to the American Psychological Association standards, for their investigation that constitutes the basis for a final thesis project.
Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

This course examines different therapeutic approaches and techniques that focus on the foundational concepts necessary for working with individuals, groups, and families. Attention is given to the development of professional identity and client relationships, case conceptualization, principles and professional standards that apply to the rules of ethical behavior, and the necessary skills required in psychotherapy and counseling.
Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

This course presents various methods and designs that give students the opportunity to conduct research studies, analyze data and evaluate research findings. Topics such as exploratory data analysis, sampling, and probability theory, statistical inference for hypothesis testing, ANOVA, correlation and power, and the principles of descriptive, inferential, univariate, and multivariate statistics will be covered. Students are given ample practice in a lab setting, that provides for the necessary experience required for their research dissertations. Prerequisites: None Credits: 3

Focuses on the behavior of people at work as well as the way they interact in the organizational environment with effects on organizational performance and effectiveness. It examines different systems, structures, and processes, and is divided into two modules moving from individual behavior to the organization with emphasis on leading change. Topics include self-awareness, work attitudes, emotions, organizational dynamics, and new leadership roles as ambidexterity, agility and managing complexity. Prerequisites: None Credits 3

Provides an overview of health promotion theory, equipping students with the conceptual and practical skills to effectively incorporate health promotion into their everyday practice. It begins with exploring the concepts of health, disease, and well-being, and progresses to the emergence of health promotion as a key strategy for health protection and empowerment. Topics include health behavior modification, health inequalities, the World Health Organization (WHO) healthy settings approach, and media approaches in health promotion. Finally, students learn how to effectively design, implement, and evaluate a health promotion intervention or program. Prerequisites: None Credits 3

Introduces students to methodologies for managing projects within an organizational context, including the processes of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, reporting and closing a project. The course investigates project variables such as scope, time and cost, topics of project integration, quality control, and risk management, the management of changes in organizations that introduce or service information systems. Students learn how to identify project champions, work with user teams, and document project management. Prerequisites: GE105, GE106, GE115 Credits: 3

This course examines the profound role of prolonged, frequent and intense stress exposure in health and disease. Using up-to-date scientific data, it explores the relations and the underlying mechanisms between stress and a range of disorders that formulate the current prevalent pattern of morbidity and mortality in modern societies. Topics include manifestations of the psychological and somatic burden of distress, which is associated with the so-called chronic non-communicable disorders that plague modern societies, such as anxiety, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune/allergic disorders, sleep disorders, cancer, and vulnerability to certain infections. By synthesizing theories and research findings, it also points out the magnitude of behavioral distress, that are expressed as top risk behaviors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices. Prerequisites: None Credits 3

This course examines the role of stress over the life course and discusses its manifestations in different organizational settings. It begins with the effects of stress on health at the very start of life and progresses to explore its impact during infancy, adolescence, adulthood and at the older age. Except for age-related transitions it examines those which entail a social role entry or exit and specifies the kinds of transitions that are potentially important to people’s wellbeing. Stress manifestations in different organisational settings and institutions including family, education, physical and social environment are also thoroughly presented. Special emphasis is given on the working environment and the magnitude of occupational stress as a major and distinct component of the stress research. Prerequisites: None Credits 3

This course introduces students to the science of stress management providing them with an overview of the available evidence-based stress management techniques and coping strategies. Given the profoundly negative impact of stress, it is important for professionals to master a repertoire of stress management techniques. Topics include coping strategies based on cognitive behavioral modification, time management and a broad repertoire of relaxation techniques, including diaphragmatic breathing, different types of meditation, mental imagery, and progressive muscular relaxation among others. Through numerous examples, exercises and solid research findings, students shall develop essential knowledge and skills to effectively apply the different stress management approaches to clinical and non-clinical populations and to facilitate self-development. Prerequisites: None Credits 3

All master degree candidates should carry out a research project in a topic of their interest relevant to stress science and health promotion. Students are expected to conduct a thorough research project with a specific purpose and hypothesis. The project must include review of the relevant professional literature, systematic data collection, analysis and interpretation, and professional write-up. To successfully complete the course, the master degree candidate will prepare and present a publication-ready manuscript and make an oral presentation. Prerequisites: None Credits 3