Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment

by Charles Zastrow, Karen K. Kirst-Ashman

Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman's UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT looks at lifespan through the lens of social work theory and practice, covering human development and behavior theories within the context of family, organizational, and community systems. Using a chronological lifespan approach, the book presents separate chapters on biological, psychological, and social impacts at the different lifespan stages with an emphasis on strengths and empowerment. As part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, this edition is completely up to date and thoroughly integrates the core competencies and recommended practice behaviors outlined in the 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Genres: Textbooks, School, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, College

766 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Tom Menke]

as far as text books go it was readable but lacked spirit and drive. it didnt compell me to want to learn more it basicly told me what I alreaady know. I wasnt disapointed but I wasnt thrilled either.

[Alexandria Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a textbook. It is an overview of social work theory applied in the context of the overall human life experience from birth to death. It skims over significant topics with a broad brush, but as a textbook it provides a basic foundation for understanding social work theory.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers a myriad of topics in both sociology and psychology and does a fair job with both.

[Cory D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic overview

[John D Sutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Briefly covers many theories of human behavior. I would have rather read the original sources these guys quoted, there doesn't seem to be much original thought.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer; I was required to read this for both my introduction to social work courses in my BSW and MSW program. I found the content to help conceptualize social work practice fundamentals but other than that it was not very useful. Sadly, we live in an era whereby the time the book is printed much of the information has become outdated. I was also mildly disappointed in the lack of content on theory and implementation into practice.

[Val · Rating 1 out of 5]

This textbook is not Valerie-approved. Very very very basic, even to the point of factual incorrectness and misguidance. Much too much Freud, bad explanations of feminism, and a lack of depth when exploring person-first vs. identity-first language.


(Obviously I'm biased in my review, but I was still concerned enough about this textbook for SOCIAL WORKERS to leave it.)

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was AWFUL. I wonder if it was even edited, because there are so many errors and typos...Not to mention it reads like it was written by an 86-year-old curmudgeon.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Possibly one of the worst social work texts I've read.

[Tina Siemsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful text for the social worker. Theory perspective is a bit brief, for that I would suggest a supplemental companion to this. Overall, very informative.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent excellent

[Sab · Rating 4 out of 5]

not a terrible book, one of the better social work texts.