This volume provides the basic psychological knowledge that is essential for social work. Against the background of many years of experience in practical work, teaching and research, the authors concentrate on the psychological foundations that enable social workers to take practical action. Selected scientific findings from the fields of developmental psychology, social psychology and clinical psychology are presented, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the experience and behaviour of social work clients. Numerous illustrations and tables supplement the book=s educationally structured text.

The authors teach at the Lower Rhine University of Applied Sciences. Prof. Dieter Wälte is a psychological psychotherapist and teaches clinical psychology and personality psychology. Prof. Michael Borg-Laufs is a paediatric psychotherapist and psychological psychotherapist and teaches the theory and practice of psychosocial work with children. Prof. Burkhart Brückner is a psychological psychotherapist whose teaching work focuses on social and health psychology.