Aimed at students within social work, health, nursing and education, the author presents the key theories and empirical evidence about the way people grow and change over the lifespan, relating theoretical ideas in an accessible and lively way to practice. The book uses examples based on real situations and invites the reader to measure ideas against their own experience and intuitions. The book contains a wealth of material, presented with a strong focus on clarity and explanation.

The author has a background in academic psychology and has worked for many years as a social worker, giving him the practical experience and knowledge to write a highly relevant book aimed at students whose needs are essentially practical.