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To all social workers, both students and those in the field, who help to shape my ideas and inspire me personally and professionally.

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Brief Contents Preface Acknowledgments About the Author CHAPTER 1 Human Behavior and the Social Work Profession CHAPTER 2 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: The Person in the Environment CHAPTER 3 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Biopsychosocial Dimensions CHAPTER 4 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Sociocultural Dimensions CHAPTER 5 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Social Change Dimensions CHAPTER 6 Pre-Pregnancy and Prenatal Issues CHAPTER 7 Development in Infancy and Early Childhood CHAPTER 8 Development in Middle Childhood CHAPTER 9 Development in Adolescence CHAPTER 10 Development in Early Adulthood CHAPTER 11 Development in Middle Adulthood CHAPTER 12 Development in Late Adulthood CHAPTER 13 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for the Social Work Profession References Glossary/Index

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Detailed Contents Preface Acknowledgments About the Author CHAPTER 1 Human Behavior and the Social Work Profession Defining "Human Behavior in the Social Environment" Understanding How Knowledge and Theory Inform Social Work The Role of Theory Theoretical Lenses Interactions of Theories The Debate about Empirical Knowledge and Practical Knowledge The Quality of Knowledge and Theory QUICK GUIDE 1: EVALUATIVE CRITERIA FOR THEORY QUICK GUIDE 2: EVALUATIVE CRITERIA FOR RESEARCH Theoretical Eclecticism The Single Theory Argument The Argument for Eclecticism The Application of Theory and Knowledge in Social Work Practice Maintaining Social Work Values Learning About Human Behavior and Social Work Practice Relating Knowledge of Human Behavior to Other Social Work Courses Framing the Study of Human Behavior through this Book's Organization Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 2 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: The Person in the Environment Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels of Conceptualization QUICK GUIDE 3: THE PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT LENS: THEORIES, APPROACHES, AND PERSPECTIVES Applying the Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels of Conceptualization Critiquing the Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels of Conceptualization The Biopsychosocial Approach Applying the Biopsychosocial Approach Critiquing the Biopsychosocial Approach Systems Theory

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Diagramming Family Systems Genograms Ecomaps Applying Systems Theory Family Subsystems and Boundaries Roles and Homeostasis Input and Output Entropy Equifinality and Multifinality Critiquing Systems Theory Ecological Theory Applying Ecological Theory Critiquing Ecological Theory The Ecosystems Approach: Combining Ecological and Systems Theories The Strengths Perspective Applying the Strengths Perspective Critiquing the Strengths Perspective Intersectionality Theory Applying Intersectionality Theory Critiquing Intersectionality Theory Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 3 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Biopsychosocial Dimensions QUICK GUIDE 4: THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL LENS: THEORIES, MODELS, AND PERSPECTIVES The Disease Model The Medical Model QUICK GUIDE 5: DSM-5 ASSESSMENT Key Elements of Human Biology The Brain and the Nervous System Neurons Neurotransmitters The Endocrine System Genetics Applying the Medical Model Critiquing the Medical Model Theories of Cognitive Development 11

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development Applying Piaget's Theory Critiquing Piaget's Theory Psychodynamic Theories Freud's Theory of Psychosexual Development Applying Freudian Theory Critiquing Freudian Theory Erikson's Theory of Psychosocial Development Applying Erikson's Theory Integrating Erikson's Theory with Piaget's Theory Critiquing Erikson's Theory Behavioral and Learning Theories Classical Conditioning Operant Conditioning Social Learning Theory Applying Learning Theory Critiquing Learning Theory Humanistic and Existential Perspectives Person-Centered Therapy and Transactional Analysis Person-Centered and Participant-Directed Service Models Applying Humanistic and Existential Perspectives Critiquing Humanistic and Existential Perspectives Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 4 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Sociocultural Dimensions QUICK GUIDE 6: THE PERSPECTIVES Sociological Theories

SOCIOCULTURAL

LENS:

Conflict Theory Karl Marx and Conflict Theory Conflict Theories since Marx Applying Conflict Theory Family Health Care Conflict Theory and Social Work Aisha's Case and Conflict Theory Critiquing Conflict Theory Critical Practice Theory Applying Critical Practice Theory Critiquing Critical Practice Theory Functionalist Theory 12

THEORIES,

MODELS,

AND

Emile Durkheim Robert K. Merton Talcott Parsons Applying Functionalist Theory Education and Language Functionalist Theory and Social Work Aisha's Case and Functionalist Theory Critiquing Functionalist Theory Symbolic Interaction Theory and Social Constructionism George Herbert Mead Charles Horton Cooley Erving Goffman Applying Symbolic Interaction Theory Body Piercing Aisha's Case and Symbolic Interaction Theory Critiquing Symbolic Interaction Theory Feminist Theory Branches of Feminist Theory Applying Feminist Theory Critiquing Feminist Theory Cultural Perspectives Cultural Perspectives and Social Work Culture and the NASW Code of Ethics Minorities' Dual Perspective Multiculturalism Applying Cultural Perspectives Critiquing Cultural Perspectives Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 5 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Social Change Dimensions Theories of Racism, Discrimination, and Oppression QUICK GUIDE 7: THE SOCIAL CHANGE LENS: THEORIES AND PERSPECTIVES Racism Discrimination, Prejudice, and Privilege Theories of Prejudice Oppression Applying Theories of Racism, Discrimination, and Oppression Critiquing Theories of Racism, Discrimination, and Oppression 13

Manifestations of Racism, Discrimination, and Prejudice: Microaggressions Social and Economic Justice Perspectives Applying Social and Economic Justice Perspectives Critiquing Social and Economic Justice Perspectives Social Change and Social Action Perspectives Contemporary Social Action Perspectives Applying Social Change and Social Action Perspectives Critiquing Social Change and Social Action Perspectives Community Organization Theory How Social Work Defines and Perceives Community Community and Social Work Practice Applying Community Organization Theory Critiquing Community Organization Theory Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 6 Pre-Pregnancy and Prenatal Issues Developmental Milestones in the Fetus Growth Processes from Conception through Birth QUICK GUIDE 8: MILESTONES IN FETAL DEVELOPMENT Low Birth Weight Pregnancy, Birth, and the Individual Planned and Unplanned Pregnancy Abortion Pregnancy in Later Life Fertility Issues Parents' Biological, Psychological, and Emotional Health Birth Defects and Hazards to Fetal Development Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs Rh Incompatibility Environmental Toxins Paternal Age Maternal Health Genetic Disorders Pregnancy, Birth, and the Family and Immediate Environment Access to Health Care The Relationship between the Birth Mother and Her Care Providers Control over the Childbirth Environment 14

Birthing Classes C-Sections Episiotomies Doulas and Midwives Breastfeeding Adoption Open Adoption Interracial Adoption Workplace Policies on Pregnancy and Birth Pregnancy, Birth, and the Larger Social Environment Effects of Poverty on Pregnancy and Birth Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Poverty, Pregnancy, and the Hierarchy of Needs Social Policies Related to Pregnancy and Birth Medical Leave Laws International Family Planning Environmental Issues Related to Pregnancy and Birth Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 7 Development in Infancy and Early Childhood Developmental Milestones in Infants and Young Children Language Acquisition Biological vs. Behavioral Perspectives on Language Development A Balance of Biological and Behavioral Influences on Language Emotional Development Motor Development QUICK GUIDE 9: MAJOR MILESTONES IN GROSS MOTOR DEVELOPMENT The Individual in Infancy and Early Childhood Attachment Secure Attachment: The Debates Insecure Attachments: The Causes Gender Identity Sex Characteristics and Gender Identity Transgender Children Gender Reassignment and Affirmation

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Temperament Autism Effects of Low Socioeconomic Status on Individual Development The Family and Immediate Environment in Infancy and Early Childhood Parenting Grandparenting Siblings Personality Traits and Birth Order Family Size and Access to Resources Childcare Child Abuse and Neglect QUICK GUIDE 10: COMMON SIGNS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT The Larger Social Environment in Infancy and Early Childhood Child Protection Permanency Planning: Foster Care, Adoption, and Family Support Health Care Early Childhood Education Head Start An Ecological Perspective on Education Policy Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 8 Development in Middle Childhood Developmental Milestones in Older Children QUICK GUIDE 11: DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD The Individual in Middle Childhood Intelligence and Intelligence Testing Theories of Diverse Intelligences Standardized Intelligence Tests Learning Disabilities Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Anxiety Disorders The Family and Immediate Environment in Middle Childhood Peer Groups in Middle Childhood Play Parental Discipline Discipline in Middle Childhood Physical Punishment Separation and Divorce 16

Alternative Family Forms Stepfamilies and Blended Families Single Parent and Cohabiting Households Gay and Lesbian Parents The Larger Social Environment in Middle Childhood Children and Media Children in the Educational Context Special Education School Choice and Vouchers Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 9 Development in Adolescence Developmental Milestones in the Teen Years QUICK GUIDE 12: DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN ADOLESCENCE Physical Development Cognitive, Personality, and Emotional Development Moral Development Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development Gilligan's Theory of Moral Development The Individual in Adolescence Learning Self-Esteem Eating Disorders QUICK GUIDE 13: DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA NERVOSA Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Early and Late Maturation Sexual Identity and Sexuality Sexual Activity in Adolescence Sexual Development in Heterosexual Teens Sexual Development in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Teens STIs, HIV, and AIDS Substance Use Factors Associated with Substance Use Research with Teens: An Ethical Dilemma Suicide QUICK GUIDE 14: SAD PERSONS SUICIDE ASSESSMENT 17

The Family and Immediate Environment in Adolescence Peer Groups in Adolescence Teen Pregnancy The Larger Social Environment in Adolescence Sex Education The Debate over Sex Education A Critique of Sex Education Heterosexism, Homophobia, and Queermisia Runaway and Homeless Teens Deviance, Crime, and Violence Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 10 Development in Early Adulthood Developmental Milestones in Young Adults QUICK GUIDE 15: DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN EARLY ADULTHOOD The Individual in Early Adulthood Emerging Adulthood Mental Illness Schizophrenia Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mental Illness and Social Work Strategies Disability Spirituality Fowler's Theory of Faith Development Spirituality in Social Work Practice The Family and Immediate Environment in Early Adulthood Relationships and Living Arrangements Intimate Partner Violence Theories of Intimate Partner Violence Intimate Partner Violence and Social Work Practice The Larger Social Environment in Early Adulthood Higher Education Sexism The Wage Gap Causes of the Wage Gap Theories of Sexism Sexism and Social Work 18

Sexual Harassment Sexual Harassment and Popular Culture Theories of Sexual Harassment Strategies to Prevent Sexual Harassment Civil Rights Laws and Affirmative Action The Affirmative Action Debate Theoretical Bases of Affirmative Action Affirmative Action and Social Work Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 11 Development in Middle Adulthood Developmental Milestones in Middle Age QUICK GUIDE 16: DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN MIDDLE ADULTHOOD Physical Developments in Middle Adulthood Cognitive Developments in Middle Adulthood Levinson's Theory of Adult Development Motivational Interviewing The Individual in Middle Adulthood Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy The Psychological Dimension of Menopause The Cultural Dimension of Menopause The Male Climacteric Midlife Crisis Psychological Adjustment in Midlife Theories and Perspectives on Midlife Crisis Chronic Illness and Disease Common Diseases Emerging in Middle Age Health Disparities The Family and Immediate Environment in Middle Adulthood Love and Marriage in Middle Age Sternberg's Theory of Love Perils of Romantic Love Marital Satisfaction Divorce Remarriage Family Patterns in Middle Age Social Work with Couples and Families 19

Retirement Retirement Patterns Preparation for Retirement Theoretical Perspectives on Retirement The Larger Social Environment in Middle Adulthood Ageism Ageism in the Workplace Ageism in Popular Culture Immigration Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 12 Development in Late Adulthood Developmental Milestones in Older Adults Physical Changes in Late Adulthood Osteoporosis QUICK GUIDE 17: DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN LATER ADULTHOOD Loss of Muscle Mass Arthritis Hearing-Related Problems Vision-Related Problems Slower Reaction Time and Decreased Coordination Changes in Appearance Social Workers and the Physical Changes of Late Adulthood Cognitive and Psychological Changes in Late Adulthood Dementia Cognitive Changes Personality and Aging Depression and Suicide Social Workers and the Psychological Changes of Late Adulthood The Individual in Late Adulthood Psychological Theories of Aging Disengagement Theory Activity Theory Continuity Theory Peck's Theory of Ego Integrity Aging Well Spirituality and Aging Sexuality in Late Adulthood 20

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Older Adults Grief and Loss Normal Grief and Complicated Grief Other Theories of Grief Kübler-Ross' Theory of Death and Dying Terror Management Theory Life Review and Narrative Therapies Social Work with the Grieving and Dying The Family and Immediate Environment in Late Adulthood Grandparenting Older Adults and their Caregivers Effects of Caregiving on Caregivers Caregiving and Social Work Elder Abuse and Neglect The Larger Social Environment in Late Adulthood Long-Term and Alternative Care Managed Care and LTC Insurance Housing Options Poverty and Older Adults Policies Linked to Services for Older Adults Social Security Older Americans Act Medicare Medicaid End-of-Life Considerations Assisted Suicide Advance Directives and Living Wills Palliative Care and Hospices Conclusion Main Points Exercises CHAPTER 13 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for the Social Work Profession Environmental Issues and Sustainability Social and Environmental Sustainability Climate Change and the Larger System Social Work's Role in Climate Change Economic Disparities The Widening Gap between the Rich and the Poor Outsourcing, Underemployment, and Livable Wages 21

Social Work and Responses to the Wealth Gap Health Disparities Health Issues in Our Environment Access to Health Care Social Work's Role in Reducing Health Disparities Demographic Shifts Global Aging Changing Racial and Ethnic Demographics Racism and Prejudice Social Work and Demographic Shifts Technology and Technological Advances Aging, Caregiving, and Aging in Place Physical and Mental Health and Social Well-Being Social Work and Technological Advances Global Tension and Violence Social Work and Global Conflict Shifting Cultural Views on Social Issues Social Work's Role in Cultural Change The Future of the Social Work Profession Conclusion Main Points Exercises References Glossary/Index

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Preface Major Changes to the Fifth Edition Like the last four editions of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, this latest edition provides students with an overview of the issues related to human behavior and the social environment that are important to understand for practice. This information has been updated to offer students current and relevant information on important topics in social work practice and expanded to help students understand the complexity of the issues they will face in the field, including how poverty, diversity, and strengths affect human development and behavior.

Additional important and relevant issues, theories, and treatment modalities have been added and incorporated into the chapters to help students understand how foundational theoretical and empirical knowledge have shaped contemporary knowledge in, and approaches to, social work and to give students upto-date information on work being done in the field. For example, additional research and content have been added to explore how issues at all stages of life affect different populations, and new evidence-based research on many issues has been added throughout. Several new theories and perspectives have been added throughout the book including intersectionality theory and perspectives on cultural competence and humility. Content has been updated to reflect changes in many areas including media use; eating disorders; substance use; use of language and power; and updated information on trauma, trauma-informed, and health-centered approaches.

Further, the end-of-chapter exercises have been updated to include assignments not tied to online case studies.

For the new editions of all five books in the New Directions in Social Work series, each addressing a foundational course in the social work curriculum, the publisher offers a uniquely distinctive teaching strategy that revolves around the print book but offers much more than the traditional text experience. The series website www.routledgesw.com leads to custom websites coordinated with each text and offering a variety of features to support instructors as you integrate the many facets of an education in social work.

At www.routledgesw.com/hbse, you will find a wealth of resources to help you create a dynamic, experiential introduction to social work for your students. The website houses companion readings linked to key concepts in each chapter, along with questions to encourage further thought and discussion; six interactive fictional cases with accompanying exercises that bring to life the concepts covered in the book, readings, and classroom discussions; a bank of exam questions (both objective and open-ended) and PowerPoint presentations; annotated links to a treasure trove of articles, videos, and Internet sites; and an online forum inviting all instructors using texts in the series to share ideas to improve teaching and learning.

The fifth edition contains a set of Quick Guides, which are meant to be useful for students engaged in field work. They appear in the book as well as at the website for the book. They can be printed out and carried along for reference.

You may find most useful a set of sample syllabi showing how Human Behavior in the Social Environment, fifth edition, can be used in a variety of course structures. A master syllabus demonstrates how the text and website used together through the course satisfy the 2015 CSWE EPAS. The interactive cases offer students rich and detailed examples of complex situations they will face in their work as well as additional opportunities to apply theory and concepts to real-world situations. Other cases provide students opportunities to apply concepts to mezzo- and macro-level situations and to better understand how individual issues are interconnected to and impacted by larger, more macro issues.

The organization and content of this book and companion website are such that students at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels of their social work education can utilize the knowledge gained from studying the material; specifically, this knowledge can be applied to both generalist and specialized practice. The fifth edition, along with the new supplemental chapters, can be used throughout a two-semester sequence as well as a onesemester course, and the integrated supplements and resources on the Web make the text especially amenable for online distance-learning and hybrid courses.

For example, a supplemental online chapter on the autism spectrum can be used to help students learn more 24

about the disorder, spark in-depth discussions about the causes and treatments for autism, and help students understand the ways in which it might impact their practice. Readings (and accompanying questions) have been specifically added to offer more breadth and depth to selected topics, giving students and instructors options about which topics to explore more thoroughly and to provide opportunities to explore the diversity and complexity that are associated with the social issues with which social workers grapple. These readings can also be used to help students with more self-directed learning in areas about which they are particularly interested and may want to explore further beyond the scope of the material that is normally covered in the course.

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Organization of the Book The chapters of this book are arranged first to give students an overview of the content, next to offer brief discussions of theoretical perspectives on the human condition, and then to provide information on basic facets of human development. Chapters 1 through 5 expose students to theoretical thinking and why it is important in social work as well as how it can help them to organize their thinking about clients and the issues they present in practice. Chapters 6 through 12 introduce students to important developmental, social, and cultural issues related to specific phases of life that are often relevant to practice. These chapters present developmental information extending from before conception into old age and encourage students to consider how development on biological, psychological, social, and cultural levels can impact individuals, families, communities, and social institutions. Exploring the various dynamic interactions that occur between the individual and the environment will help students to understand these interactions from theoretical and practice perspectives. Additionally, Chapters 6 through 12 offer discussions on relevant theoretical models and treatment modalities, grounded in theoretical perspectives introduced in Chapters 1 through 5, which are often used to better understand and work with specific issues and tasks faced by people in different developmental timeframes. Chapter 13 explores broad, contemporary and future issues that will pose challenges and opportunities for social workers and their clients, such as climate change, demographic shifts, and health and economic disparities.

The following paragraphs briefly introduce each of the chapters included in this book, with emphasis on the updated content.

Chapter 1 Human Behavior and the Social Work Profession offers a detailed discussion about why thinking about human behavior within the social environment is so important to social work education and to the profession.

It will give students a sense of why they were asked to learn all those theories that were presented to them in other classes as well as all the other information that did not seem relevant to their major. The goal of the first chapter is to answer for students the questions, how does all this fit together, and why is it relevant to my work with clients? It also helps students understand how this knowledge base fits with CSWE’s education policies. Finally, the first chapter will set the context for the rest of the book and help students to think about how to approach the information.

The next four chapters give students an overview of the theoretical concepts often used by social workers to help them make sense of the interactions between human behavior and the social environment.

Chapter 2 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: The Person in the Environment presents broadly based, comprehensive theoretical models—for example, the biopsychosocial approach, systems theory, and the strengths perspective—that tend to be used frequently in generalist practice. These theories, although often borrowed from other disciplines, lend themselves well to social work because they address constructs of problem conceptualization and intervention that are unique to the profession. Chapter 2 is designed to give students a base on which to incorporate more specific theories discussed in the following chapters.

Chapter 3 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Biopsychosocial Dimensions provides an overview of some specific theories that come out of psychology and related fields. These theories help students to think about how and why we become the people we are. Students will encounter theories related to 26

physical, emotional, and cognitive development as well as ways to think about how we learn in both individual and social contexts. Students will also learn how the brain, genetics, neurobiological processes, and the endocrine systems shape and affect behavior.

Chapter 4 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Sociocultural Dimensions takes a look at how societies function and how individuals are affected by the order and purpose of various social institutions. Each of the theories discussed in this chapter has a distinctive “slant” on the way in which it attempts to explain society, which in turn affects the way the social worker explains personal problems. Learning about the theories covered in Chapter 4 will give students an opportunity to think about the larger society and the ways in which its structure affects the work done in the profession. Additional material on theories and related issues was added to this chapter to expand students’ thinking in these realms.

Chapter 5 Lenses for Conceptualizing Problems and Interventions: Social Change Dimensions continues the discussion on the broader context of human lives and problems. It explores theories that address the social context in which we live and ways in which we can effect change to better our lives. Chapter 5 explores the problems of social injustice that affect people individually but that are often rooted in larger social contexts.

These theories help students to think about how personal issues are often intertwined with social and political issues, and why addressing them often requires social action to change lives on the individual level.

The remaining chapters address particular stages in life.

Chapter 6 Pre-Pregnancy and Prenatal Issues offers information on fetal development and some of the issues that clients may present with during a pregnancy and after birth. For example, students explore topics of low birth weight, planned and unplanned pregnancies, and hazards to fetal development. Students also explore familial and environmental issues such as access to health care, workplace policies, and international issues affecting family planning, with a focus on some of the ethical dilemmas posed by prenatal testing and other related health care situations. Students will find updated research on various topics and a discussion on abortion.

Chapter 7 Development in Infancy and Early Childhood exposes students to physical, psychological, and emotional developmental issues in early childhood and some of the issues that can affect clients and their families during this stage of development. It discusses theoretical perspectives on attachment that are pertinent to this stage of life as well as recent research in areas such as autism, parenting, child abuse, childcare, and policies affecting children and families.

Chapter 8 Development in Middle Childhood exposes students to developmental processes of children in this age range and presents pertinent information on related individual, familial, and social issues. Debates and updated information on areas such as intelligence and intelligence testing, learning disabilities, parental discipline, gay and lesbian parenting, divorce and remarriage, and the effects of media are included. Students are also introduced to theory on play in this chapter.

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Chapter 9 Development in Adolescence covers developmental considerations of this life stage and the various issues that clients are likely to deal with at this age. Issues such as eating disorders, self-esteem, pregnancy, sexual identity development, substance abuse, and suicide are discussed, as are issues around sex education, violence, and heterosexism and homophobia. Students are introduced to theories on moral and sexual identity development, which are likely to be pertinent to their work with clients at this age.

Chapter 10 Development in Early Adulthood covers the continued physical and cognitive development into adulthood and issues that people at this life stage are likely to face, such as mental illness, disability, and problems with spirituality. Theory around spirituality development and an expanded discussion on spirituality are included in this chapter. Domestic violence, sexism, sexual harassment, and related social policies are also discussed.

Chapter 11 Development in Middle Adulthood explores continued development as we age and explores in depth some of the physical and cognitive changes that can occur, as well as issues these changes may raise. Topics such as immigration, menopause and the male climacteric, health care and chronic illness, and marriage and love are explored. A section on health disparities highlights problems that some minority groups face with regard to chronic illness. Retirement and theories surrounding retirement are discussed, as are issues around ageism.

Chapter 12 Development in Late Adulthood discusses developmental issues in older age and continued physical and cognitive changes that take place as we age. In this chapter, students are exposed to various theories of aging and how they can be used to conceptualize work with older clients. Discussions on spirituality, depression, sexuality, grief and loss, and issues for gay and lesbian elders are included, as are topics surrounding grandparenting, caregiving, living situations, end-of-life care, and social policy issues impacting older adults.

Chapter 13 Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for the Social Work Profession explores emerging trends and issues that are affecting or will affect social workers and their clients. This chapter helps students think about current and further challenges that will change the shape of problems clients face and the ways in which the profession approaches these problems. The chapter also explores the opportunities that will be created in the wake of these trends. Issues that are discussed in this chapter include climate change, growing health and economic disparities, demographic shifts, technological advances, global violence, and shifting cultural views on social issues.

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Interactive Cases The website www.routledgesw.com/cases presents six unique, in-depth, interactive, fictional cases with dynamic characters and real-life situations that students can easily access from any computer. They provide a “learning by doing” format unavailable with any other text. Your students will have an advantage unlike any other they will experience in their social work training. Each of the interactive cases uses text, graphics, and video to help students learn about engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation and termination at multiple levels of social work practice. The “My Notebook” feature allows students to take and save notes, type in written responses to tasks, and share their work with classmates and instructors by email. These interactive cases allow you to integrate the readings and classroom discussions: The Sanchez Family: Systems, Strengths, and Stressors: The ten individuals in this extended Latino family have numerous strengths but are faced with a variety of challenges. Students will have the opportunity to experience the phases of the social work intervention, grapple with ethical dilemmas, and identify strategies for addressing issues of diversity.

Riverton: A Community Conundrum: Riverton is a small Midwest city in which the social worker lives and works. The social worker identifies an issue that presents her community with a challenge. Students and instructors can work together to develop strategies for engaging, assessing, and intervening with the citizens of the social worker’s neighborhood.

Carla Washburn: Loss, Aging, and Social Support: Students will get to know Carla Washburn, an older African-American woman who finds herself living alone after the loss of her grandson and in considerable pain from a recent accident. In this case, less complex than that of the Sanchez family, students will apply their growing knowledge of gerontology and exercise the skills of culturally competent practice.

RAINN: Rape Abuse and Incest National Network: The RAINN Online Hotline links callers to local Rape Crisis Centers and hospitals, as well as other services. In addition, rape crisis telephone hotlines have played an important role in extending services to those in communities in which services are not available. Students will learn how and why this national hotline was developed; they will evaluate both qualitative and quantitative data to assess how the program can better achieve its goals.

Hudson City: An Urban Community Affected by Disaster: Hudson City has just been devastated by Hurricane Diane, a category four hurricane with wind speeds of 140 miles per hour. Students will take up the role of a social worker who also resides in the community, who has been tasked with finding workable solutions to a variety of problems with diverse clients. Students will learn about disaster response and how to focus on many clients at once.

Brickville: Families and Communities Consider Transitions: Brickville is a low-income community faced with a development proposal that would dramatically change the community. Students will take the role of a social worker who lives in the community and works for a community development corporation. Students will learn about community development and approaches that can be used to empower community members. This book takes full advantage of the interactive element as a unique learning opportunity by including exercises that require students to go to the Web and use the cases. To maximize the learning experience, you may want to start the course by asking your students to explore each case by activating each button. The more the students are familiar with the presentation of information and the locations of the individual case files, the Case Study Tools, and the questions and tasks contained within each phase of the case, the better they will be able to integrate the text with the online practice component.

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In Sum When presented as separate issues, all of the aforementioned developmental topics can seem overwhelming to students, particularly when they realize they have to keep at hand all their knowledge when working with clients. However, all of these topics, as well as other topics that are discussed, are set in a framework that will help students to think about the types of problems their clients might be likely to face at different phases in life.

Students will also learn that organizing their knowledge about these areas into a theoretical context that “makes sense” to them will help them to manage the seemingly endless stream of information at their disposal.

Ultimately, then, students will become more and more proficient at applying concepts to client problems.

Meanwhile, students can enjoy the process of learning about them.

Being an effective social worker means being able to understand the complexities of human behavior, the societies and cultures in which we live, and the interplay between them. Being an effective social worker also means having a solid grounding in various disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, and human biology. It means possessing a well-rounded education and an ability to apply this knowledge to the myriad client problems and situations that students will face in the profession. This edition is intended to help students understand this complexity in the field and to help them gain the knowledge and critical thinking skills they will need to practice social work.

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Acknowledgments I owe my gratitude to all the social work students I have known since the beginning of my career, for their questions, musings, and insights, and for pushing me to think about what it means to be a social worker. They are the inspiration for this book. I would like to extend my thanks to Y. C. Lin, Paige Reohr, and Sophia Vies, students at the University of Portland, who gave a great deal of their time and energy to help me with revisions of this book. Similarly, Rayne Funk, administrative assistant to the Social Work Program, was extremely helpful in the production of this book. Without her, most of my work would be impossible. I would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Joseph Gallegos, my former colleague at the University of Portland, for all his support and mentorship. Finally, this book is dedicated to Sookie, my long-time pet therapy companion who brought me and countless others years of joy and comfort. May she rest in peace after all her hard work.

A big thank you goes to Samantha Barbaro, Shannon LeMay-Finn, and Melinda Kay Lewis for their time, energy, and insights as well as their editorial and writing assistance. The project coordinator, Melinda Kay Lewis, and the other authors of the book series, Rosemary Chapin, Marla Berg-Weger, Jerry Finn, and Judy Krysik have been great sources of inspiration and motivation. I have appreciated their feedback and insights throughout the process of writing this book. I am grateful to the editors and staff at Routledge, whose input was invaluable in helping me to move the book forward in a meaningful way, and to the reviewers of the book.

Finally, I want to thank Tammy Rogers for her unwavering show of enthusiasm and encouragement for my work, and my family, Jim Koch, Olivia, and Grady, for their support, patience, and tolerance for my endeavors.

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