Unit 7 Behavior: Social Cognitive Theory
In the Social Cognitive Theory, the factors of reciprocal determinism have many constructs including self-efficacy, expectations, observational learning (modeling), expectancies, emotional arousal, behavioral capability, reinforcement, and locus of control.
For this week’s Discussion, describe each construct as it relates to the Social Cognitive Theory and give one example for each construct as it relates to you personally in your goals of health and wellness.
Sample Answer
Constructs of Social Cognitive Theory
In Social Cognitive Theory, the influence of individuals’ experiences, other persons’ activities, actions, and ecological aspects on one’s health behaviors are described (Silveira & Motl, 2019). In other words, the social cognitive theory offers prospects of community support by instilling self-efficacy and personal expectations. Therefore, through observational learning and other forms of reinforcement, we can achieve behavioral transformation in the social other. This paper explores various constructs of reciprocal determinism related to the Social Cognitive Theory.
According to Portugal (2018), core components of the Social Cognitive Theory associated with individual behavior change consist of behavioral capability. This construct of reciprocal determinism focuses on understanding and gaining the appropriate skills to perform a behavior. Behavioral capability helps me identify maladaptive thought patterns and transform them into bright ideas.
Self-efficacy is another construct grounded in the belief that individuals control and execute behaviors (Alfaiz, 2015). This aspect is essential in my healthcare practice as it would help me lessen pain and hopelessness in patients to improve their quality of life. Similarly, Silveira and Motl (2019) pointed to observational learning as another crucial construct of social cognitive theory. This feature focuses on observing outcomes of other individuals modeling or performing the desired behavior. This construct helps me remember what I have learned from different people, improving my behavior. It enhances how my brain makes other connections to acquire ideas differently.
With expectations, individuals determine the consequences of behavioral transformation (Alfaiz, 2015). This construct is critical in my health and wellness goals as it enables me to make rational judgments about something grounded on information my brain processes. On the other hand, expectancies focus on assigning values to behavior change products (Portugal, 2018). Similarly, this construct helps me gauge the value of different approaches to behavior change in society. However, to achieve successful behavior change, reinforcements are required. According to Saefudin (2020), reinforcements must provide rewards and incentives that foster behavior transformation. This construct is vital in my career goals as it promotes my self-guided developments with substantial psychological foundations.
On the other hand, locus of control regulates and monitors individual behavior. It has guided my skill-building exercises to develop independence and healthy behaviors in the social order. Furthermore, Silveira and Motl (2019) pointed to emotional arousal as a crucial construct of Social Cognitive Theory concerned with a state of heightened physiological activity. This aspect enhances my remembrance for high-priority info and decreases recollection for low-priority information in my health and wellness goals.
To sum up, in the Social Cognitive Theory, the factors of reciprocal determinism have many constructs that describe the influence of individuals’ experiences, other people’s actions, and ecological aspects on one’s health behaviors. Thus, through observational learning and other forms of reinforcement, we can achieve behavioral transformation in society.
References
- Alfaiz, A. (2015). Self Concept and Self Efficacy as a Ground Point in Social Activities (an Analysis of Psychology Perspective: A Social Cognitive Theory). Jurnal Pelangi, 7(2). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.22202/jp.2015.v7i2.203
- Portugal, L. (2018). Naturopathy Education, Social Cognitive Theory, PrecedeProceed Model, and Lesson Plan. Journal Of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine, 2(1). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.23880/jonam-16000115
- Saefudin, I. (2020). Corruption in Perspective of Social Psychology and Psychology Cognitive Theory. International Journal Of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 24(4), 5379-5386. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.37200/ijpr/v24i4/pr201634
- Silveira, S., & Motl, R. (2019). Do Social Cognitive Theory constructs explain response heterogeneity with a physical activity behavioral intervention in multiple sclerosis?. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 15, 100366. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100366
