A comprehensive overview of the issues related to human behavior and the social environment that are important to understand for practice, updated with current and relevant information on important topics in social Work. Additional relevant content, contemporary theories, and intervention modalities are incorporated throughout the text to keep students up to date with what is happening in the field. Careful organization of chapters to first present foundational theoretical perspectives on the human condition, and then provide information on basic facets of human development, encouraging students to use conceptual lenses to inform their practice with individuals at different stages of life. Four final chapters cover theoretical foundations and issues surrounding spirituality, families and groups, organizations, and communities. These chapters offer in-depth information and discussions on mezzo and macro content. The organization of the chapters also helps students better understand how contemporary theories and approaches to issues stem from foundational theories and how they can be used to inform work with clients. Particular emphasis on the ways in which poverty, diversity, and strengths affect human development and behavior.