Social cognitive theory; Cognitive social learning; Cognitive learning theory

The social learning theory, also called Social Cognitive Theory, not only explains how people “learn” and maintain certain behavioral patterns, but also explicates factors influencing health behaviors and thereby provides the basis for intervention strategies for the promotion of behavioral change. Human behavior is explained in terms of a triadic , dynamic , and reciprocal model, in which behavior, personal factors (including cognitions), and environmental influences all interact.

The Social Learning Theory is widely used since its concepts are easy to operationalize for health promoting interventions: role models can be used to model positive outcomes, to correct misconceptions, to demonstrate self-reward, to reflect mastery, to point out opportunities, to signal social support, etc.