Contemporary Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work

This new HBSE text is the first to approach the subject from a comparative theory perspective, including coverage of contemporary knowledge theories as well as traditional theories. A consistent framework for analysis is provided for all of the theoretical systems that are covered. This text encourages students to develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and comparing theories, and includes contemporary developments in traditional lifespan theory, theories of political economy, and a separate chapter on transpersonal theory (Ch. 12). The text includes explicit content on spirituality, oppression, and social justice. Each chapter includes coverage of the research that supports a particular theory, as well as an analysis of the validity of that research; each chapter also includes a discussion of “Contemporary Issues.” The last chapter, Chapter 13, provides a case example demonstrating how the various theories can be applied to a single case.

This text encourages students to develop critical thinking skills in analyzing and comparing theories, and includes contemporary developments in traditional lifespan theory, theories of political economy, and a separate chapter on transpersonal theory.

Reviewer Reaction to Contemporary Human Behavior Theory:

“I would definitely adopt this as a primary textbook for Foundation and advanced HBSE courses. It is also a valuable supplementary text in direct practice courses. It is exceptionally well written and conceptualized.”
―Steven Applewhite, University of Houston

“I see many strengths in this text. Most importantly, the text covers material that I believe is critical in social work education. There simply is no other text that I have found that covers this content.”
―Beverly Black, Wayne State University

New to This Edition

New features in the second edition include updated content in all chapters, as well as new content on:

• Neurobiology, neurotransmission, and behavior
• Theories of bisexual and transgender identity development
• Ethnic/cultural identity development and cultural competence
• Ecofeminism, Feminist Standpoint Theory
• The role of shame in women’s development
• New theoretical content added to the textbook represents the most contemporary and cutting-edge content in theory that is not usually found in other human behavior or theory textbooks.

Don’t Miss These Exciting Value-Added Options:

Themes of the Times for Human Behavior and the Social Environment:
This collection of 41 recent articles from the New York Times helps to bring the real world into your classroom. These articles have been chosen to allow for lively discussion of issues and controversies in the area of human behavior and the social environment. This collection of recent articles is available FREE when value-packaged with this text. When placing text orders, please use ISBN 0-205-46583-8.

Research Navigator Guide for the Helping Professions . . .
. . . is the easiest way for students to start a research assignment or research paper. Complete with extensive help on the research process and four exclusive databases of credible and reliable source material―including the EBSCO Academic Journal and Abstract Database, the New York Times Search by Subject Archive, a “Best of the Web” Link Library, and the Financial Times Article Archive and Company Financials―Research Navigator helps students quickly and efficiently make the most of their research time. Research Navigator Guide for the Helping Professions is available FREE when packaged with this text. When placing text orders, please use ISBN 0-205-46919-1.