Social Learning Theory

Chapter
First Online:
Part of the Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development book series (ARAD)

Abstract

Social learning theory utilizes precise descriptions of dyadic relationships and other larger system dynamics that are present in families with adolescents. Similar to other theoretical perspectives that claim more individual psychological origins, however, this theoretical approach is not given extensive coverage in the family theory literature. The present chapter discusses how social learning theory focuses attention on the ways in which adolescent and parent behaviors are both learned and reinforced – both positively or negatively – by family members and other socializing agents. The review of empirical evidence supporting the use of this conceptual approach to families with adolescents reveals a literature that is rather well-developed, and forms the basis for a number of prevention and intervention based efforts that are based on the social learning perspective.

Keywords

Antisocial Behavior Social Learning Social Learning Theory Negative Reinforcement Temper Tantrum 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer New York 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Human Development and Family ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusUSA

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