Summary of the Social Cognitive Therory
| Concept | Definition | Application |
| Reciprocal Determinism | Behavior changes result from interaction between person and environment; change is bi-directional. | Involve the individual and relevant others; work to change the environment, if warranted. |
| Behavioral Capability | Knowledge and skills to influence behavior. | Provide information and training about action. |
| Expectations | Beliefs about likely results of action. | Incorporate information about likely results of action in advice. |
| Self-Efficacy | Confidence in ability to take action and persist in action. | Point out strengths; use persuasion and encouragement; approach behavior change in small steps |
| Observational Learning | Beliefs based on observing others like self and/or visible physical results | Point out others’ experience, physical changes; identify role models to emulate. |
| Reinforcement | Responses to a person’s behavior that increase or decrease the chances of recurrence | Provide incentives, rewards, and praise; encourage self-reward; decrease possibility of negative responses that deter positive changes. |
Glanz, K., and Rimer, B. (1995). Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice (p 23).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institute of Health.
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