Human growth and development / Chris Beckett and Hilary Taylor.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

About the authors -- Preface to the third edition -- Introduction -- 1. The birth of a human being: what makes us who we are? -- 2. The balancing act : psychodynamic insights -- 3. A secure base: the importance of attachment -- 4. The emergence of reason: the developing ability to understand -- 5. Making connections: ideas from behaviourism -- 6. Who am i going to be? adolescence, identity and change -- 7. Acting like a grown-up: challenges of adulthood -- 8. Access to adulthood : growing up with a disability -- 9. No man is an island: family systems and their life cycle -- 10. It takes a village : a sociological perspective -- 11. Coming to a conclusion: dimensions of old age -- 12. That good night: death, dying and bereavement -- References -- Index.

"This bestselling introduction to emotional, psychological, intellectual and social development throughout the lifespan will help you explore these questions and many more. Written for students training for careers in the helping professions, including nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, teachers and counsellors, the book covers topics which are central to understanding people whether they are clients, service users, patients or pupils. Following the shape of a human life, beginning with birth and ending with death, it combines theoretical concepts and reflective learning to help you develop an understanding of what makes human beings grow and change over their lives to inform your decisions and professional practice."--Publisher's website.