What does it mean to be human? This critical text from a well-respected author captures and interrogates the many models which have been developed to explore and explain human behaviour. Informed by sociological, psychological and biological perspectives, the book plots the key stages of the life course from childhood through to older age.

Paula Nicolson is Professor of Critical Social and Health Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London, UK.

Introduction
PART I: THEORIES OF HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
1. 'Nature' versus 'Nurture': A Matter of Choice?
2. The Life Span: Interdisciplinary and Critical Perspectives
3. Attachment, Separation and Loss: Themes in human growth and development
4. From Theory to Reflective-Relational Practice
PART II: A MATERIAL-DISCURSIVE-INTRA-PSYCHIC APPROACH
5. Infancy and Early Childhood
6. Older Childhood
7. Adolescence
8. Young Adulthood
9. Mid-Life
10. Older Age
Afterword.