Responding to the World

We experience a barrage of environmental stimuli throughout our lives. In many cases, environmental stimuli trigger physiological responses, such as an elevated heart rate, increased perspiration, or heightened feelings of anxiety. How we perceive and interpret these physiological responses is complex and influenced by psychological, sociocultural, and biological factors. Emotional responses, such as feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, or stress are often born out of our interpretation of this interplay of physiological responses. Our experience with emotions and stress not only affects our behavior but also shapes our interactions with others. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of theories of stress and the nature of communication, to provide greater insight into how we respond to the world around us.