Social Cognitive Theory

Introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura, Social Cognitive Theory, previously known as social learning theory, explains human behavior in terms of a dynamic, reciprocal, and continuous interaction between the individual and the environment. (5)  Bandura calls this reciprocal determinism.

According to the theory’s concept of behavioral capability, before a person will act in a given situation, he or she needs to know what to do and how to do it.  The person also needs the knowledge and skills to perform the specific behavior.  Two cognitive processes particularly influence behavior: outcome expectationsand self-efficacy expectations. 

Outcome expectations
An outcome expectation is the belief that a behavior will produce a specified outcome or effect.  Outcomes can be either positive or negative.  A person will choose an action that he or she believes will maximize a positive result or outcome and/or minimize a negative result or outcome. 

Self-efficacy
As in the HBM, self-efficacy refers to the belief in one's ability to take control of behavior, as well as the confidence that one can successfully perform a specific task. 

Self-efficacy influences how an individual thinks, feels, acts, and is motivated.  Self-efficacy also affects a person’s choice of the setting, the amount of effort expended on a task, and emotional reactions.

Other Influences

Observational learning or modeling describes how one acquires information and skills through the actions of others.  By observing others, as children do when they learn from their parents’ actions, one can develop an understanding of and be prepared for the consequences (good or bad) of particular actions.

A final key concept is reinforcement.  The response to a person’s behavior can influence whether or not that behavior will be repeated.  Reinforcements or rewards can be positive, making it more likely that the behavior will be repeated; or they can be negative.  Both punishment and lack of response tend to make repetition of the behavior less likely.