Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (with InfoTrac)

In this best-selling text BY social workers and FOR social workers, Charles Zastrow and Karen K. Kirst-Ashman, nationally prominent social work educators and authors, guide studetns in assessing and evaluating how individuals function within families, groups, organizations and communities during the key stages of the human life span. Zastrow, a member of the CSWE Commission on Accreditation, and Kirst-Ashman, a CSWE Board member, incorporate the most recent CSWE curriculum recommendations throughout. Using an effective, chronological life-span approach, the authors present separate chapters on biological, psychological, and social impacts at the different life-span stages. Chapter One introduces a practical Systems Impact Model that students can apply throughout the book to help them understand individual behavior in macro, mezzo, and micro settings. Consistent with the curriculum policy statements of the CSWE, content on social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice and populations-at-risk is also includes. Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman make theories relevant to myriad practice settings by providing case examples, illustrations, photos, and exercises in every chapter. With thorough coverage of theories at all levels (micro, mezzo, macro) the book is comprehensive and balanced and provides students with a sound base on which to build assessment skills.