Social Work Perspectives on Human Behaviour

Using a bio-psychosocial framework, this popular textbook explains the wide basis of perspectives on which we build an understanding of people's behaviours and why and how we respond in the way we do.

This book accessibly explains key concepts including attachment, trauma, developmental psychology and oppression to highlight and enhance social workers' understanding of practice.

Thoroughly updated since its popular first edition, the book now includes:

• A brand new chapter on Attachment
• More coverage of neurological concepts and their influence on behaviour
• Expanded material on older people and resilience, crime and violence against black and minority ethnic groups, and domestic violence issues
• More coverage of mental health, alcohol and drugs and their impact on behaviour

"This second edition is a most inclusive, accessible and fully updated text. It provides a thorough overview of the major theories and concepts and brings these to life with case examples. The inclusion of contemporary issues such as domestic abuse is a welcome feature. I would fully recommend this text to any student studying for a social work qualification."
Debbie Thackray, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

"This second edition expands on topics that are vital to good social work practice. The chapters on attachment and trauma are particularly well-written, and speak to topics often overlooked in academic texts. The sections on foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) provide readers with essential knowledge that will enhance practice on many levels. Although this has been written in the context of social work practice, this important book will be compulsory reading for a broad range of students... I consider this an invaluable contribution to any student library."
Jill Davey, Framework Lead for Social Work, Sociology, Social Policy and Anthropology, Bournemouth University, UK

"This is the most useful text I have ever found for teaching social care and youth students the basic explanatory frameworks for human behaviour. It is superbly balanced in that it gives weight to all perspectives and proffers critiques of key theories. It is also very strong in applying theory to practice - a skill which is always difficult to develop in students. Particular areas of strength are the chapters on attachment and mental health/ trauma. The work is an engaging read as it includes some fascinating historical insights and illustrations as well as contemporary case studies. I will certainly recommend it to my students."
Gwen Chaney, Course Leader for Social Care & Faculty Lead for Learning and Teaching, University of Gloucestershire, UK

The role played by theory in understanding behaviour

Part 1: Biological dimensions of human behaviour
Biological and medical influences on behaviour
Developmental models and considerations

Part 2: Psychological dimensions of human behaviour
Freud's psychoanalytic and Erikson's developmental theories of behaviour
Neo-Freudian or ego psychology perspectives
Attachment and object relations theories
Behaviourism
Cognition and cognitive theories
Humanist and existentialist perspectives on behaviour
Influences of trauma on behaviour
Mental health related influences on behaviour
Substance use related influences on behaviour

Part 3: Social dimensions of behaviour
Systems theory, ecosystems and personal-cultural-social (PCS) perspectives
Families and family systems
Feminist perspectives on behaviour
Summary: A bio-psychosocial perspective, strengths and resilience

Bibliography
Index