Understanding the way in which individuals develop before birth, as babies, children and adolescents through to young and older adulthood towards death is an important part of any social work role. Being able to skilfully apply this understanding in real life practice situations is even more important, as purposeful translations of human development are at the heart of effective professional practice.
Introducing students to emotional, psychological and social developmental theories of human growth before exploring in detail how these theories can be incorporated into practice, this book will ensure students have all the tools they need to not only understand but critically appraise and apply psychosocial theories early on in training and whilst on placement. With the help of real world case studies, summaries and tips for further study, it will show students how life course theories inter-relate and how they can make appropriate, purposeful translations of theory into skilled, professional practice.
Cuprins
Introduction
Childhood in the early years
Attachment – bonding and brain development
Erikson – the initial stages
Object Relations Theory – meet my needs
From childhood through adolescence to becoming an adult
Attachment – new relationships on old foundations
Erikson – from identity to intimacy
Object Relations Theory – looking for the perfect match
Adulthood and Older Age
Attachment – the complexity of adult attachments
Erikson (stages 7-8) – from mid-life to contentment or despair
Object Relations Theory – maturity or immaturity
Surviving life’s challenges
Loss, Change & Transitions
Family Systems and psychodynamics – is there such a thing as a “normal family”?
Trauma & Resilience
Voices from practice
Despre autor
Neil Gibson graduated with a BA in Communication and worked in the media, travel and tourism before re-entering education and obtaining an MSc in Social Work. He has worked in residential childcare, substance use, care management, and adult protection before joining the social work teaching team at Robert Gordon University where he currently works.