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Human Behavior in the Social Environment

Interweaving the Inner and Outer Worlds, Second Edition

• By Esther Urdang

• Price: $140.00
• Binding: Hardback (also available in Paperback)
• Pages: 736
• Published by: Routledge
• Publication Date: 19th May 2008
• ISBN: 978-0-7890-3417-5

About the Book

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: Interweaving the Inner and Outer Worlds, Second Edition, discusses ego functions, defenses, psychoanalytic theory, object relations, attachment theory, self-psychology, constructivism, and cognitive-behavioral theories. Current social issues such as the elderly, violence, and abuse are addressed.

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.

Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Interweaving the Inner and Outer Worlds, Second Edition, 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. This new edition also brings information up-to-date by incorporating many references to current events and current opinion in the media. A teacher's manual will be available.

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.

Table of Contents

Section I. The Biopsychosocial Perspective 1. Overview 2. Psychoanalytic and Ego Psychology Theories 3. Object Relations, Self Psychology, and Cognitive-Behavioral Theories 4. Postmodern Theories: Constructivism, Relational Therapy, Narrative Theory, and Resilience 5. Social Systems and the Community 6. Culture and Diversity 7. The Family: Forms and Organization 8. The Family: Internal Structures and Special Family Problems Section II. The Life Cycle 9. Reproductive Issues, Infancy, and Early Childhood Development 10. Middle Childhood and Adolescence 11. Adult Development Section III. Special Issues 12. Life Transitions, Turning Points, Crises, and Loss 13. Illness and Disability 14. Mental Health Problems Section IV. Integration 15. Conclusion

About the Author(s)

Esther Urdang, PhD, formerly Adjunct Associate Professor and Assistant Director of Field Education, Boston College Graduate School of Social Work; Research Advisor, Adjunct Associate Professor, Smith College Graduate School for Social Work; Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College (Spring 2007). She is a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 35 years of experience in the field and holds a Diplomate in Social work from NASW. The author or co-author of numerous articles, Dr. Urdang has also written the first edition of Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Interweaving the Inner and Outer Worlds (Haworth) and Becoming a Social Worker: The First Year.