Tom Kitwood – författare

The original Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First by Tom Kitwood was published by Open University Press in 1997. It was a seminal text in the field of dementia studies and is still cited and referenced as core reading on person-centred dementia care. Tom died unexpectedly, just 12 months after the book was published. This book continues to inspire many people to challenge simplistic paradigms about dementia. Since the original book was written, however, there have been many changes in our understanding of dementia.The editor of this new edition, Dawn Brooker was mentored by Tom Kitwood. She has drawn together a remarkable group of writers to provide a commentary on Kitwood’s work. This new edition reproduces the original chapters but provides extra content from subject experts to update the book to a contemporary level.

Dementia Reconsidered Re-visited is an ideal main text or supplementary text for all those studying or working in nursing, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, adult education, gerontology and health and social care more generally.“This important book does three things. It brings to a new generation the insight and vision of Tom Kitwood. It highlights the remarkable progress we have made in recent years. But most important of all it reminds us what still needs to be done if we are to fully respect the rights of people with dementia and their family care-givers. Kitwood inspired Alzheimer’s Society to knit together research, care, and societal change. We are now re-inspired to make sure all progress is evidenced and evaluated for its impact. We must realise the enormous opportunities the digital age offers people affected by dementia but in doing so constantly listen to and learn from their many and varied voices across nations and cultures.”Jeremy Hughes CBE, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society, UK

The original Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First by Tom Kitwood was published by Open University Press in 1997. It was a seminal text in the field of dementia studies and is still cited and referenced as core reading on person-centred dementia care. Tom died unexpectedly, just 12 months after the book was published. This book continues to inspire many people to challenge simplistic paradigms about dementia. Since the original book was written, however, there have been many changes in our understanding of dementia.The editor of this new edition, Dawn Brooker was mentored by Tom Kitwood. She has drawn together a remarkable group of writers to provide a commentary on Kitwood’s work. This new edition reproduces the original chapters but provides extra content from subject experts to update the book to a contemporary level.

Dementia Reconsidered Re-visited is an ideal main text or supplementary text for all those studying or working in nursing, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, adult education, gerontology and health and social care more generally.“This important book does three things. It brings to a new generation the insight and vision of Tom Kitwood. It highlights the remarkable progress we have made in recent years. But most important of all it reminds us what still needs to be done if we are to fully respect the rights of people with dementia and their family care-givers. Kitwood inspired Alzheimer’s Society to knit together research, care, and societal change. We are now re-inspired to make sure all progress is evidenced and evaluated for its impact. We must realise the enormous opportunities the digital age offers people affected by dementia but in doing so constantly listen to and learn from their many and varied voices across nations and cultures.”Jeremy Hughes CBE, Chief Executive, Alzheimer''s Society, UK

The condition known as ‘adolescence’ is largely an artefact of advance industrial societies. How, then, do those who are labelled as ‘adolescent’ conduct their everyday lives, and what are their values? Originally published in 1980, this book seeks to provide some answers, amplified with a great deal of illustrative material, and many detailed observations.

The first chapter outlines a theoretical position, based on the conception of the person as essentially perceptive and active. The development and application of the research method is then described: this consists of an informal and loosely structured interview, by means of which the participants were able to give lengthy and vivid accounts of their experiences. Four broad topics are examined in detail: family life, relationships with other adolescents, formal and informal work, and the development of ‘self-values’. One of the most striking findings of the research is the fact that many boys and girls, denied the possibility of deep involvement with other areas of activity, have attached an almost obsessive importance to their immediate social world: here, at least, it is possible to gain some degree of control. The author indicates that social class differences are evident at many points, and expresses his belief that such differences among adolescents are likely to intensify rather than decrease during the coming decades.

The book concludes by relating the social-psychological findings to the broader social and historical context. In contrast to the common view of adolescence as a period during which identity is discovered, contemporary adolescence might be viewed as a struggle for psychological survival under conditions where for many the development of a strong personal identity is scarcely possible.

The condition known as ‘adolescence’ is largely an artefact of advance industrial societies. How, then, do those who are labelled as ‘adolescent’ conduct their everyday lives, and what are their values? Originally published in 1980, this book seeks to provide some answers, amplified with a great deal of illustrative material, and many detailed observations.

The first chapter outlines a theoretical position, based on the conception of the person as essentially perceptive and active. The development and application of the research method is then described: this consists of an informal and loosely structured interview, by means of which the participants were able to give lengthy and vivid accounts of their experiences. Four broad topics are examined in detail: family life, relationships with other adolescents, formal and informal work, and the development of ‘self-values’. One of the most striking findings of the research is the fact that many boys and girls, denied the possibility of deep involvement with other areas of activity, have attached an almost obsessive importance to their immediate social world: here, at least, it is possible to gain some degree of control. The author indicates that social class differences are evident at many points, and expresses his belief that such differences among adolescents are likely to intensify rather than decrease during the coming decades.

The book concludes by relating the social-psychological findings to the broader social and historical context. In contrast to the common view of adolescence as a period during which identity is discovered, contemporary adolescence might be viewed as a struggle for psychological survival under conditions where for many the development of a strong personal identity is scarcely possible.