Human Behavior Theory And Social Work Practice

This new edition of Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice provides a broadly synthetic approach to selecting theoretical concepts crucial to one's activities in casework. Centered on the notion of the client as an individual, Roberta Greene and the contributing authors examine the biological, psychological, and social aspects of development, and evaluate their utility for social work practice.Social work is characterized by a dynamic helping process and a diversity of roles, and functions. The aims of social work--to improve societal conditions for individuals, families, and groups--are put into action across all fields of practice and realized through a variety of methods in a range of settings. To work in the field, it is important to acquire conceptual frameworks that help one understand the complexities of contemporary practice. This volume is concerned with the application of knowledge about behavior in the social environment that serves as the theoretical underpinning for direct practice in social work. The chapters explore the ways in which specific theories have contributed to understanding the person in the environment construct and examine the idea that all clinical social work intervention is anchored in reshaping the context of the person in the environment configuration.The book explores the challenges and limitations of the various theories in use and addresses many relevant questions: What does the theory offer for understanding development across the lifecycle? What does each theory suggest about the interaction among biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors of human development and functioning? What does the theory suggest about healthy/functional and unhealthy/dysfunctional behaviors or wellness? Is theory universal in its application, and may it lend itself to cross-cultural social work practice? What role does theory propose for the social worker as an agent of change? Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice is an original contribution to social work theory, and will be mandatory reading for anyone pursuing a career in the field.

Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice remains a foundation work for those interested in the practice and teaching of social work. Roberta Greene covers theoretical areas and individual theorists including classical psychoanalytic thought, Eriksonian theory, Carl Rogers, cognitive theory, systems theory, ecological perspectives, social construction, feminism, and genetics. She discusses the historical context, its philosophical roots, and major assumptions of each theory. The general theme, which distinguishes this volume, is that the person-in-environment perspective has been a central influence in the formation of the profession's knowledge base, as well as its approach to practice. Greene provides perspective on how individuals and social systems interact. This book examines how social workers can use theory to shape social work practice by increasing his or her understanding of and potential for enhancing human well-being. Greene covers the relationship between human behavior theory and professional social work practice. She also explores the challenges and limitations of each theory and addresses the following issues: how the theory serves as a framework for social work practice; how the theory lends itself to an understanding of individual, family, group, community, or organizational behavior; what the implications are of the theory for social work interventions or practice strategies; and what role it proposes for the social worker as a change agent. Throughout the profession's history, social workers have turned to a number of theoretical approaches for the organizing concepts needed to define their practice base. The aims of social work--to improve societal conditions and to enhance social functioning of and between individuals, families, and groups--are put into action across all fields of practice and realized through a variety of methods in a range of settings. This third edition, completely revised, represents a fundamental contribution to the field, and like its predecessors, will be widely used as a basic text.

Human Behavior Theory for Social Work Practice provides an in-depth examination of human behavior theories and helps students apply each theory to social work practice. Authors Terry Koenig, Rick Spano, and John Thompson cover a broad spectrum of theories—including ecological, psychological, and sociopolitical—before applying them to a wide range of case examples that represent different stages across the human lifespan. Drawing from their extensive knowledge and experience in social work practice and teaching, the authors also feature scholarly research and writing to support the understanding of the theoretical overview in each chapter.

"The primary goal of this text is to support social work students in HBSE 1 courses to develop a conceptual framework for understanding and meeting the challenges they will likely encounter in 21st century practice. Through contemporary scholarship in human development, ecology, and systems theory, we build on social work's classic bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework. Our interdisciplinary, developmental, ecological-systems framework addresses the ways in which human beings shape, and are shaped within, complex and dynamic national and international contexts across the lifespan. We attempt to establish a bridge between undergraduate courses in the social, behavioral and biological sciences; and social work practice courses. We begin by establishing a framework for understanding human behavior in the social environment through chapters providing an historical overview of the interdisciplinary roots of the developmental-ecological systems framework, the brain and development, and the role of empirical evidence on social work practice. Then we examine social work issues at various points in human development using specific programs and policies to illustrate developmentally - and culturally- sensitive social work practice. These chapters include excerpts from interviews with practicing social workers. Part 3 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"--

An accessible and engaging guide to the study of human behavior in the social environment, covering every major theoretical approach Providing an overview of the major human behavioral theories used to guide social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, and organizations, Human Behavior in the Social Environment examines a different theoretical approach in each chapter from its historical and conceptual origins to its relevance to social work and clinical applications. Each chapter draws on a theoretical approach to foster understanding of normative individual human development and the etiology of dysfunctional behavior, as well as to provide guidance in the application of social work intervention. Edited by a team of scholars, Human Behavior in the Social Environment addresses the Council on Social Work Education's required competencies for accreditation (EPAS) and explores: Respondent Learning theory Operant Learning theory Cognitive-Behavioral theory Attachment theory Psychosocial theory Person-Centered theory Genetic theory Ecosystems theory Small Group theory Family Systems theory Organizational theory

Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work, 3e approaches HBSE from a comparative theory perspective, providing coverage of the most current and contemporary theories as well as traditional theories. It includes contemporary developments in traditional lifespan theory, theories of political economy, and a separate chapter on transpersonal theory. Each chapter includes coverage of the research that supports a particular theory, an analysis of the validity of that research, and a discussion of updated "Contemporary Issues." The text encourages students to develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and comparing theories.

As American society becomes increasingly diverse, social workers must use a variety of human behavior frameworks to understand their clients' culturally complex concerns. This text applies specific human behavior theories to diversity practice. They show how human behavior theory can be employed in interventions in the life problems of diverse client populations at the individual, group, social network, and societal levels. Several groups are examined. They include: minority groups; ethnic groups; women; older adults; members of certain social classes affected by economic and educational (dis)advantage, especially those living in poverty; people with developmental disabilities, people of varying sexual and gender orientations, and religious groups. Case studies that illustrate social work practice in the area are highlighted. The case studies include Social Work Practice within a Diversity Framework; The Social Work Interview; Symbolic Interactionism: Social Work Assessment, Meaning, and Language; Erikson's Eight Stages of Development; Role Theory and Social Work Practice; A Constructionist Approach; Risk, Resilience and Resettlement; Addressing Diverse Family Forms; Small Group Theory; Natural Social Networks; Power Factors in Social Work Practice. This volume will be a fundament resource for practitioners and an essential tool for training.