Human behavior in the social environment: interweaving the inner and outer worlds

Esther Urdang

Haworth Social Work Practice Press, 2002 - Psychology - 642 pages

Design and implement appropriate, effective social work education programs!

This vital human behavior textbook for graduate-level social work students emphasizes the biopsychosocial framework with a psychodynamic and developmental perspective. Written from the perspective of a classroom teacher, faculty advisor, and clinician, this book discusses ego functions, defenses, psychoanalytic theory, object relations, attachment theory, self-psychology, constructivism, and cognitive-behavioral theories. In addition, current social problems such as violence and abuse are addressed.

Human Behavior in the Social Environment: Interweaving the Inner and Outer Worlds addresses 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.

Each chapter of Human Behavior in the Social Environment includes learning exercises and suggested readings. Some of the issues emphasized in this text are:

• development though the life cycle and the challenges, tasks, and problems of each stage
• the diversity of forms of families
• patterns of internal organization and communication within families
• illness and disabilities
• mental health problems such as schizophrenia, depression, borderline personalities, anxiety disorders, addictions, and developmental disabilities
  
  With case vignettes as well as material from literary works, biographies, and newspapers, this well-referenced volume illustrates the complexities of human existence, the multiple social conflicts operating in society, and the relevance of social policy dilemmas.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Human behavior in the social environment: interweaving the inner and outer worlds
• Author: Esther Urdang
• Publisher: Haworth Social Work Practice Press, 2002
• ISBN: 0789015226, 9780789015228
• Length: 642 pages
• Subjects: Psychology / Social Psychology; Social Science / Social Work; Social Science / Sociology / General