John Sudbery

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.

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.

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