Human Behavior for Social Work Practice: A Developmental-Ecological Framework

Featuring an interdisciplinary, developmental, ecological-systems framework, Human Behavior for Social Work Practice, Third Edition helps students implement a consistent system through which to approach multifaceted social issues in any environment. Students will learn that by effectively connecting theory to practice, they can develop successful strategies to use as they encounter complex issues currently facing social workers, whether it be in inner city schools or rural nursing homes with individuals of different ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic status.

This text examines social work issues at various points in human development using specific programs and policies to illustrate developmentally- and culturally-sensitive social work practice. Excerpts from interviews with practicing social workers highlight real-life experiences and introduce a variety of policy contexts. Part 3 of the text focuses on social work issues affecting individuals across the lifespan and around the globe through chapters on disability and stigmatization; race, racism and resistance; women and gender; and terrorism.

Wendy Haight, PhD, is Professor and Gamble-Skogmo Chair in Child Welfare and Youth Policy at University of Minnesota.

Edward H. Taylor, PhD, is an associate professor, mental health clinician and researcher at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBC), and currently the Associate Dean for the Faculty of Health and Social Development at UBC. Additionally, Dr. Taylor serves as the Co-Director of the UBC Interprofessional Mental Health Clinic.

Ruth Soffer-Elnekave is a PhD student in the University of Minnesota and works as a research assistant in the Gamble-Skogmo land grant in Child Welfare and Youth Policy.