The Social Cognitive Theory Critical Thinkings Examples

Social Cognitive Theory

The three factors that influence the concept of reciprocal determinism are environmental, personal and behavioral. Environmental factors consist of the physical surroundings of the individual. These are typically the people that influence behavior by reinforcing stimuli. Personal factors are all the characteristics of the individual, such as a person’s expectations, beliefs, and personality. Finally, the behavioral exhibited itself is a factor which can be reinforced given certain situations and stimuli (Cherry, n.d.).
If an individual entered a smoking cessation program, it is very likely that both their environmental factors and personal factors together are contributing to this decision. Perhaps there are people, such as parents or friends, encouraging a person to stop smoking. This would change the environment, and perhaps encourage this individual to consider stopping to smoke. Of course, there might be some other rewards put forth by these individuals as well to reinforce the cessation attempt. Personal factors, such as an expectation of better health, could also play a role in a repeated behavior of attempting to stop smoking. Therefore, both environmental and personal factors combine to help influence this decision.
These components work together by constantly being reinforced. It is possible that a change in belief or perspective on health sparked the attempt to quit smoking, which was then reinforced by the environment, as the influential people agreed with this decision. However, the reverse could be true as well. Environmental factors, or certain people, could have influenced a change in character, which would change the behavior.

References

Cherry, K. (n.d.). What Is Reciprocal Determinism? Retrieved January 19, 2015, from http://psychology.about.com/od/socialpsychology/f/reciprocal-determinism.htm