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.
Alastair Gibson graduated with an MA in History before becoming frustrated as a hospital administrator and deciding to move into the more challenging and rewarding practice of social work. He worked in Aberdeen and Gateshead in a variety of health care social work settings and then taught at RGU. Developing his enthusiasm for inter-professional practice, he was a founder member of CAIPE and helped develop shared training for social work, health, education and police trainees. He has thoroughly enjoyed teaching Human Growth and Behaviour as well as being Course Leader of the BA (Hons) Social Work by Distance Learning before retiring in 2009. He is now an independent practice teacher. 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.
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
Gibson and Gibson have created an important student-friendly resource in this well-written and informative book. If you struggling to make sense of life course theory, particularly key psychodynamic theory's and concepts, and their impact across the life course this highly readable book will help! Primarily aimed at social work students, the coverage of key theories is comprehensive. Learning is supported through links to case studies, and providing opportunities for critical thinking and reflection to support their application to practice. This book provides a welcome extension to the important discussions in life course theory practice. -- Dr Janet Walker
