The Handbook of Social Cognitive Theory

The Handbook of Social Cognitive Theory explores how people learn and behave through observation, imitation, and modeling within their social environment. It emphasizes the interaction between personal factors, behavior, and external influences—known as reciprocal determinism. The theory highlights the role of self-efficacy (belief in one’s abilities), reinforcement, and expectations in shaping actions. This understanding helps explain why individuals adopt certain behaviors, how they can change them, and the importance of social context in learning. Overall, it provides a framework for understanding human motivation, learning, and behavior patterns within social settings.