A Critical Approach to Human Growth and Development: A Textbook for Social Work Students and Practitioners

A good understanding of the psychological, emotional, biological and social aspects of human development gives social workers an important perspective on the people and situations they work with. This comprehensive Introduction to the subject will equip you with the theory and information you need to make compassionate decisions, well-information you need to make compassionate decisions, well-informed assessments and effective interventions in your professional practice. Divided into two parts, the book begins by taking you through some of the key theoretical ideas and debates that shape the field, including the nature/nurture debate and attachment theory, before exploring the different stages of development across the lifespan, from infancy through to older age. The author has devised a unique framework to capture the multidisciplinary richness of the field. This will help you identify and combine different strands of thinking and research, whether these emphasize material or internal influences, or ideas conveyed verbally. Every chapter is enhanced by engaging features to support your learning and encourage reflective practice. This includes learning objectives, reflective questions, case studies and practice-based illustrations. Combining a solid grounding in academic theory and research, an approach to developing critical thinking skills and a wealth of practical applications, this is an essential introduction to human growth and development for all students and practitioners of social work. Book jacket.