overview

The content outline for human development, diversity, and behavior in the environment comprises 27% of the Masters exam (approximately 41 questions).

Competencies and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)

IA. Human Growth and Development

• Theories of human development throughout the lifespan (e.g., physical, social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral)
•  The indicators of normal and abnormal physical, cognitive, emotional, and sexual development throughout the lifespan
• Theories of sexual development throughout the lifespan
•  Theories of spiritual development throughout the lifespan
•  Theories of racial, ethnic, and cultural development throughout the lifespan
•  The effects of physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities throughout the lifespan
•  The interplay of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors
•  Basic human needs
•  The principles of attachment and bonding
•  The effect of aging on biopsychosocial functioning
•  The impact of aging parents on adult children
•  Gerontology
•  Personality theories
•  Theories of conflict
• Factors influencing self-image (e.g., culture, race, religion/spirituality, age, disability, trauma)
• Body image and its impact (e.g., identity, self-esteem, relationships, habits)
• Parenting skills and capacities
• The effects of addiction and substance abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Feminist theory
• The impact of out-of-home placement (e.g., hospitalization, foster care, residential care, criminal justice system) on clients/client systems
• Basic principles of human genetics
• The family life cycle
• Family dynamics and functioning and the effects on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Theories of couples development
• The impact of physical and mental illness on family dynamics
• Psychological defense mechanisms and their effects on behavior and relationships
• Addiction theories and concepts
• Systems and ecological perspectives and theories
• Role theories
• Theories of group development and functioning
•  Theories of social change and community development
• The dynamics of interpersonal relationships
• Models of family life education in social work practice
• Strengths-based and resilience theories
• The impact of stress, trauma, and violence
• Crisis intervention theories
• Theories of trauma-informed care
• The impact of the environment (e.g., social, physical, cultural, political, economic) on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• The effects of life events, stressors, and crises on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Person-in-Environment (PIE) theory
•  Communication theories and styles
•  Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic approaches
•  The impact of care giving on families
•  The dynamics and effects of loss, separation, and grief

IB. Concepts of Abuse and Neglect

• Indicators and dynamics of abuse and neglect throughout the lifespan
• The effects of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• The indicators, dynamics, and impact of exploitation across the lifespan (e.g., financial, immigration status, sexual trafficking)
• The characteristics of perpetrators of abuse, neglect, and exploitation

IC. Diversity, Social/economic justice, and oppression

• The effect of disability on biopsychosocial functioning throughout the lifespan
• The effect of culture, race, and ethnicity on behaviors, attitudes, and identity
• The effects of discrimination and stereotypes on behaviors, attitudes, and identity
•  The influence of sexual orientation on behaviors, attitudes, and identity
• The impact of transgender and transitioning process on behaviors, attitudes, identity, and relationships
• Systemic (institutionalized) discrimination (e.g., racism, sexism, ageism)
• The principles of culturally competent social work practice
• Sexual orientation concepts
• Gender and gender identity concepts
• Social and economic justice
• The effect of poverty on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• The impact of social institutions on society
• Criminal justice systems
• The impact of globalization on clients/client systems (e.g., interrelatedness of systems, international integration, technology, environmental or financial crises,
  epidemics)

Organization of the eBook Chapters

To enhance the study experience, this eBook groups similar concepts together, resulting in chapters that can encompass more than one content outlines and KSAs. For example, competencies related to human growth and development are organized into broad, relatable categories—such as infancy, toddlerhood, early childhood development, middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—to streamline the flow of the content. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a concise listing of the content outline, competency, and KSAs, as a guide.

The following resources linked are from open educational resources (free resources):

• Infancy
• Early Childhood
• Middle Childhood
• Adolescence
• Socioemotional Development in Childhood
• Cultural and Societal Influences on Child Development
• Open Textbooks for Social Work Education