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Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment

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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).

766 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

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Charles Zastrow

64 books5 followers

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5 stars
53 (27%)
4 stars
57 (29%)
3 stars
54 (27%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
1 star
19 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Tom Menke.
123 reviews7 followers
Read
March 4, 2011
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.
Profile Image for Alexandria Skinner.
41 reviews
November 4, 2019
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.
6 reviews
February 15, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Shelby.
108 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2019
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 Sadly, we live in an era whereby the time the book is printed much of the information has become outdated.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.
Profile Image for Val.
265 reviews25 followers
February 8, 2015
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.)
Profile Image for Emily.
61 reviews7 followers
October 29, 2008
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.
Profile Image for Julie.
10 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2008
Possibly one of the worst social work texts I've read.
Profile Image for Tina Siemsen.
98 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2014
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.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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