A2-social learning approach- applying to health psychology Flashcards
(11 cards)
Social learning theory=
behaviour is learnt through observational learning, imitation of role models and vicarious reinforcement
Relation to health=
effects of parental and peer role models on healthy and unhealthy behaviours.
who are people likely to imitate ?
People (especially children) are more likely to imitate people they identify with (identification)
A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer or the observer admires the individual for characteristics such as attraction,wealth or status
how does vicarious reinforcement relate to the addiction of gambling ?
One way in which people begin gambling is through vicarious reinforcement.
The experience of seeing others being rewarded for their gambling, their pleasure and enjoyment and well as occasional financial gain. Increases the likelihood you will imitate the behaviour and become addicted themselves.
However, it doesn’t have to be a direct observation of other people’s behaviour. It could be through newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets that present gambling in a positive light.
what are the types of role models that influence health
peers
healthcare proffessionals
celebrities
peers=
“peer leaders” create and reinforce healthy lifestyle values and model positive health-related behaviours for others to imitate.
health care proffessionals =
are usually expected to model the health behaviors that are targets of health education. They have direct contact with people who would benefit most from education about healthy lifestyles.
celebrities=
use the media to transmit the behaviour to be modelled. For example, in 2021 there was widespread news footage of celebs having their covid vaccinations. They are imitated because they have status.
strength=
practical applications=
modelling healthy behaviours is useful.
Peer leaders are used in a school based smoking intervention program called ASSIST to prevent smoking in teenagers.
This shows that peer role models can have a positive effect on a range of health related behaviours
weakness=
not all role models who are supposed to be healthy actually are.
For example some educators (GPS/Nurses) can lead unhealthy lifestyles themselves. For example they may be obese.
As a result of this patients may not take them seriously. But some patients may relate to this as they see them as facing the same problems as they face themselves.
Consequently modelling behaviour in health care education can be more complicated then SLT suggests.
strength=
research supports=
Research evidence by Cullen et al (2000), has shown that children are more likely to try new food, when they see an adult eating it.
This can also be applied to exercising, brushing teeth etc. ‘Do as I do and not as I say’.
Therefore, parents and carers who model healthy behaviours are more likely to raise children who display those behaviours.
