An introduction to the field of behavioural science, this book initiates medical professionals into current issues and concepts in psychology, sociology and anthropology. Throughout the text, the authors emphasize application to comprehensive patient care. To ensure coherence, the text is presented in relation to three organizing concepts: human development over the life cycle, with an introductory section on the main development lines; psychological concepts applied to normal and abnormal mental functioning; and the use of various models - medical, psychological, family and sociocultural - in the holistic care of patients in a multicultural setting.