Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Interweaving the Inner and Outer Worlds (Social Work Practice in Action) - Hardcover

“Social work students who have the good fortune to have this book as a text for their Human Behavior and the Social Environment class will actually enjoy this very readable overview of numerous theories and their application in case examples. Grounded in a bio-psychosocial perspective, this INCREDIBLY COMPREHENSIVE book emphasizes the psychodynamic understanding of human behavior through examples from novels, biographies and autobiographies in addition to newspaper and magazine articles. . . . BREATHES LIFE INTO THE THEORIES AND MANAGES TO CONVEY THE VAST COMPLEXITY OF LIFE FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOOD. Learning exercises at the end of each chapter help the student integrate the concepts into a social work practice framework. . . . A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION.”

Nancy Boyd Webb, DSW, Distinguished Professor of Social Work, Fordham University

 “True to its title, this work offers A RICH, INCLUSIVE, UP TO DATE REVIEW of the many formulations that help to reveal the person in the environment. More importantly, it identifies converging understandings that bridge separate lines of that work. It thus offers an image of the increasingly comprehensive understandings that are within our grasp and invites our participation in that exciting enterprise.”

Roger R. Miller, DSW, Professor Emeritus, Smith College School for Social Work

“ENGAGING AND LUCID. . . . Presents a balanced view of human behavior theories, successfully shedding light on the age-specific needs, abilities and challenges of individuals over the course of their lives. Drawing on a biopsychosocial perspective, Urdang successfully integrates psychodynamic theory with other theoretical perspectives. . . . SHOULD BE WIDELY USED IN SOCIAL WORK AND RELATED HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CURRICULA.”

Eric Kingson, PhD, Professor of Social Work, Syracuse University

"What an absolute fantastic summary of theories most used in social behaviour assesments! So easy to read and understand, especially Freud which can be so difficult. A highly recommended text."

-- Colleen Ballard, (endorsement from Amazon.com)

This new and updated edition of the vital human behavior textbook for graduate-level social work students emphasizes the biopsychosocial framework with a psychodynamic and developmental perspective, with updated information on contemporary thinking and the application of postmodern theory. Written from the perspective of a classroom teacher, faculty advisor, and clinician, Human Behavior in the Social Environment discusses current social issues such as older people, violence, and abuse.

The book approaches development through the life cycle, discussing the developmental challenges, tasks, and problems of each stage. Presenting complex concepts in a clear and understandable way, it also examines and integrates systems and organizational factors, as well as the impact of culture on clients and treatment programs. A helpful instructor's manual accompanies this text, and is available as a free download from http://www.routledge.com/9780789034182.

Human Behavior in the Social Environment looks at:

• the biopsychosocial perspective
• psychoanalytic and ego psychology theories
• object relations, self psychology, and cognitive-behavioral theories
• postmodern theories: constructivism, relational therapy, narrative theory, and resilience
• social systems in the community
• culture and diversity
• forms and organizations of the family
• internal family structures and special family problems
• reproductive issues, infancy, and early childhood development,
• middle childhood and adolescence
• adult development
• life transitions, turning points, crises, and loss
• illness and disability; mental health problems
• and much more!

With case vignettes, chapter-by-chapter learning exercises, and additional readings, as well as material from literary works, biographies, and newspapers, this copiously-referenced volume illustrates the complexities of human existence, the multiple social conflicts operating in society, and the relevance of social policy dilemmas.

While especially designed to benefit and enlighten graduate social work students it is also a valuable resource for undergraduate social work students as well as beginning and advanced readers in human services such as nursing, medicine, public health, clinical psychology, counseling, who will find this both a helpful review and source of new knowledge.