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Human Growth and Development

An Introduction for Social Workers

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Series: Student Social Work.

Social workers work with people at all stages of life, tackling a multitude of personal, social, health, welfare, legal and educational issues. As a result, all social work students need to understand human growth and development throughout the lifespan.

This introductory text provides a knowledge base about human development from conception to death. It is designed to encourage understanding of a wide range of experiences, including some very difficult ones, such as child abuse, the developmental trajectories of children in care, mental distress, the experience of people with dementia, the experience of torture victims and untimely bereavements. Using engaging narratives to illustrate real-life situations, the author analyses them to demonstrate the link between theory, and different theoretical approaches, and practice.

Packed with case studies, this student-friendly book includes overviews, summaries, questions and further reading in each chapter as well as a more formal academic section designed to challenge and intrigue students. A reference section contains a glossary and overviews of the principal theories discussed throughout the book. It is an essential read for all social work students.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Beginnings 2. A Secure Base 3. The Developing Child 4. Transitions and Adolescence 5. Living Independently 6. Sex, Love, Work and Children 7. Maturity and some of its Hazards 8. Adulthood and Ageing 9. Dying, Grief and Mourning 10. Fitting the Pieces Together Reference Section 11. Essential Background 12. Glossary

Reviews

'This is a much welcome book providing an engaging, informative and accessible introduction to human growth and development for social workers…(It) will undoubtedly be invaluable reading for social work students, a learning companion during social work training and an interesting and enjoyable read for those already in practice.' - Gabriela Misca, Keele University, UK

'The book skilfully instructs and interacts with the reader. It presents information in a way that will appeal to learners at different stages offering both introductory and in-depth levels of knowledge. These unique features make this book an indispensable text for student social workers in learning and practice environments.' - Nora Duckett, London Metropolitan University,UK

'John Sudbery has provided a human growth and development textbook full of interest. Written specifically for social work, readers will be able to engage with it at various levels - from the personal impact of narratives, case studies and reflective questions, to the more in depth academic content in outlines of key theoretical issues.' - Ruben Martin, University of Kent, UK

'The author’s interest in psychosocial perspectives and his rich experience as practitioner, manager and academic social worker/researcher ensure the quality and rigor of this text.' - Clare Parkinson, Senior Lecturer, University of East London, UK

Author/Editor Biography

John Sudbery is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Salford, UK. He has taught Human Growth and Development for over ten years, and has worked for 35 years in various areas of statutory and voluntary social work.

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