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Social Work Theories

Guide to locating information on social work theories

Key Concepts/Overview

Social Learning Theory

  • Extrinsic rewards for behavior and performance.
  • Helping individuals and groups develop an internal local of control, i.e. assume responsibility for their lives, providing positive feedback, community approval
  • Social learning theory (sometimes referred to as modeling, observational learning, or vicarious learning) incorporates elements of operant conditioning (or radical behaviorism) and social cognition.
  • People learn behavior through modeling, through positive and negative reinforcement.
  • A person is a social being and lives within a group or a community.
  • Therefore he tends to perform actions and behave in a manner conducive to community approval.
  • In Social Learning theory, all behavior is goal directed and emphasizes expectations of reward and perceived values of rewards as the basis for modeling one's behavior on that of others.
  • Social learning includes concept of “locus of control”, which refers to the view of internal/external control of reinforcement. Bandura believed that self-regulation mediated external influences and provided a basis for action, empowering individuals to assume responsibility and control for their actions and motivators.

Social Learning (Jan. 2018)

Social Learning (Jan. 2018)

Alexander, J., Rudolph, & Langford, L. (1992). Throwing down: A social learning test of students fighting. Social Work in Education, 14(2), 114-124. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=9606212364&site=ehost-live

Alleri-Meares, P. (1991). Educating adolescents on the dangers of premature childbearing and drug use: A focus on prevention. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 8(4), 327-338. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=24851821&site=ehost-live

Aymer, S. (2008). Beyond power and control: Clinical interventions with men engaged in partner abuse. Clinical Social Work Journal, 36(4), 323-332. doi:10.1007/s10615-008-0167-z

Barnes, S. M., Monteith, L. L., Gerard, G. R., Hoffberg, A. S., Homaifar, B. Y., & Brenner, L. A. (2017). Problem-solving therapy for suicide prevention in veterans with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 62(4), 600-608. doi:10.1037/rep0000154ID: 2017-34398-001

Bauch, C. T., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2012). Evolutionary game theory and social learning can determine how vaccine scares unfold. PLoS Computational Biology, 8(4), 1-12. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002452

Boitel, C. R., & Fromm, L. R. (2014). Defining signature pedagogy in social work education: Learning theory and the learning contract. Journal of Social Work Education, 50(4), 608-622. doi:10.1080/10437797.2014.947161

Brauer, J. R. (2009). Testing social learning theory using reinforcement's residue: A multilevel analysis of self-reported theft and marijuana use in the national youth survey. Criminology, 47(3), 929-970. doi:10.1111/j.1745-9125.2009.00164.x

Brauer, J. R., & Tittle, C. R. (2012). Social learning theory and human reinforcement. Sociological Spectrum, 32(2), 157-177. doi:10.1080/02732173.2012.646160

Burton, D. L. (2003). Male adolescents: Sexual victimization and subsequent sexual abuse. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 20(4), 277-296. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=10795385&site=ehost-live

Burton, D. L., Miller, D. L., & Shill, C. T. (2002). A social learning theory comparison of the sexual victimization of adolescent sexual offenders and nonsexual offending male delinquents. Child Abuse & Neglect, 26(9), 893. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=8767258&site=ehost-live

Burton, D. L., Nesmith, A. A., & Badten, L. (1997). Clinician's views on sexually aggressive children and their families: A theoretical exploration. Child Abuse & Neglect, 21(2), 157-170. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=9709263087&site=ehost-live

Caputo, R. K. (2004). Parent religiosity, family processes, and adolescent outcomes. Families in Society, 85(4), 495-510. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=15620919&site=ehost-live

Champagne, B. M., & Pervin, L. A. (1987). The relation of perceived situation similarity to perceived behavior similarity: Implications for social learning theory. European Journal of Personality, 1(2), 79-91. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=12087283&site=ehost-live

Chappell, A. T., & Piquero, A. R. (2004). Applying social learning theory to police misconduct. Deviant Behavior, 25(2), 89-108. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=12275787&site=ehost-live

Chu, C., Buchman-Schmitt, J., Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., Tucker, R. P., Hagan, C. R., . . . Joiner, T. E. J. (2017). The interpersonal theory of suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of a decade of cross-national research. Psychological Bulletin, 143(12), 1313-1345. doi:10.1037/bul0000123; 10.1037/bul0000123.supp

Chung, D. (2005). Violence, control, romance and gender equality: Young women and heterosexual relationships. Women's Studies International Forum, 28(6), 445-455. doi:10.1016/j.wsif.2005.09.005

Colburn, M. (2011). The effects of violent video games on adolescent aggression and behavior through the perspective of social learning theory. Perspectives (University of New Hampshire), , 108-115. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=80029481&site=ehost-live

Deeming, P., & Johnson, L. L. (2009). An application of Bandura's social learning theory: A new approach to deafblind support groups. Journal of the American Deafness & Rehabilitation Association (JADARA), , 203-209. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=47226873&site=ehost-live

Demırbaş, M., & Yağbasan, R. (2006). An evaluative study of social learning theory based scientific attitudes on academic success, gender and socio-economical level. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 6(2), 363-371. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=21558834&site=ehost-live

Durkin, K. F., Wolfe, T. W., & Clark, G. A. (2005). College students and binge drinking: An evaluation of social learning theory. Sociological Spectrum, 25(3), 255-272. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=16968020&site=ehost-live

Ford, J. A. (2008). Social learning theory and nonmedical prescription drug use among adolescents. Sociological Spectrum, 28(3), 299-316. doi:10.1080/02732170801898471

Franklin, C., & Corcoran, J. (2000). Preventing adolescent pregnancy: A review of programs and practices. Social Work, 45(1), 40-52. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=2667903&site=ehost-live

Gonzalez, C., & Martin, J. M. (2011). Scaling up instance-based learning theory to account for social interactions. Negotiation & Conflict Management Research, 4(2), 110-128. doi:10.1111/j.1750-4716.2011.00075.x

Greene, P. G., & Johnson, M. A. (1995). Social learning and middleman minority theory: Explanations for self-employed women. National Journal of Sociology, 9(1), 59-84. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=10708978&site=ehost-live

Gruber, C. (1987). Repairing ego deficits in children with developmental disorders. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 4(1), 50-63. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=24845909&site=ehost-live

Haj-Yahia, M., & Dawud-Noursi, S. (1998). Predicting the use of different conflict tactics among Arab siblings in Israel: A study based on social learning theory. Journal of Family Violence, 13(1), 81-103. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=18331360&site=ehost-live

Hill, J. R., Song, L., & West, R. E. (2009). Social learning theory and web-based learning environments: A review of research and discussion of implications. American Journal of Distance Education, 23(2), 88-103. doi:10.1080/08923640902857713

Hogben, M., & Byrne, D. (1998). Using social learning theory to explain individual differences in human sexuality. Journal of Sex Research, 35(1), 58-71. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=676923&site=ehost-live

Johannson, M. A., & Tutty, L. M. (1998). An evaluation of after-treatment couples' groups for wife abuse. (cover story). Family Relations, 47(1), 27-35. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=213620&site=ehost-live

Knoop, R. (1989). Locus of control: A work-related variable? Journal of Social Psychology, 129(1), 101. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=5387750&site=ehost-live

Martin, J. (2004). Self-regulated learning, social cognitive theory, and agency. Educational Psychologist, 39(2), 135-145. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=13310495&site=ehost-live

McCullough Chavis, A. (2011). Social learning theory and behavioral therapy: Considering human behaviors within the social and cultural context of individuals and families. Social Work in Public Health, 26(5), 471-481. doi:10.1080/19371918.2011.591629

McRae, L., Daire, A. P., Abel, E. M., & Lambie, G. W. (2017). A social learning perspective on childhood trauma and same-sex intimate partner violence. Journal of Counseling & Development, 95(3), 332-338. doi:10.1002/jcad.12147

Mihalic, S. W., & Elliott, D. (1997). A social learning theory model of marital violence. Journal of Family Violence, 12(1), 21-47. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=18331476&site=ehost-live

Monroe, J. (2004). Getting a puff: A social learning test of adolescents smoking. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 13(3), 71-83. doi:10.1300/J029v13n03_04

Norman, L. B., & Ford, J. A. (2015). Adolescent ecstasy use: A test of social bonds and social learning theory. Deviant Behavior, 36(7), 527-538. doi:10.1080/01639625.2014.944072

Orcutt, J. D., & Schwabe, A. M. (2012). Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and deviant drinking: A longitudinal application of social structure and social learning theory. Sociological Spectrum, 32(1), 20-36. doi:10.1080/02732173.2012.628553

Payne, A. A., & Salotti, S. (2007). A comparative analysis of social learning and social control theories in the prediction of college crime. Deviant Behavior, 28(6), 553-573. doi:10.1080/01639620701357933

Rader, N. E., & Haynes, S. H. (2011). Gendered fear of crime socialization: An extension of Akers’s social learning theory. Feminist Criminology, 6(4), 291-307. doi:10.1177/1557085111408278

Scarborough, M. K., Lewis, C. M., & Kulkarni, S. (2010). Enhancing adolescent brain development through goal-setting activities. Social Work, 55(3), 276-278. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=54283440&site=ehost-live

Schaefer, B. P., Vito, A. G., Marcum, C. D., Higgins, G. E., & Ricketts, M. L. (2015). Examining adolescent cocaine use with social learning and self-control theories. Deviant Behavior, 36(10), 823-833. doi:10.1080/01639625.2014.977178

Sellers, C., Cochran, J., & Branch, K. (2005). Social learning theory and partner violence: A research note. Deviant Behavior, 26(4), 379-395. doi:10.1080/016396290931669

Simons, R. L., & Robertson, J. F. (1989). The impact of parenting factors, deviant peers, and coping style upon adolescent drug use. Family Relations, 38(3), 273-281. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=4703217&site=ehost-live

Sung, S. M., & Ando, S. (2009). Ecological influences on school achievement in a diverse youth sample: The mediating role of substance use. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(5), 572-591. doi:10.1080/10911350902987607

Tittle, C. R., Antonaccio, O., & Botchkovar, E. (2012). Social learning, reinforcement and crime: Evidence from three European cities. Social Forces, 90(3), 863-890. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=84670244&site=ehost-live

Vito, A. G., & Higgins, G. E. (2013). A research note on adolescent steroid use: An examination of social learning theory and self-control theory. Deviant Behavior, 34(12), 951-960. doi:10.1080/01639625.2013.793577

Watts, S. J., & McNulty, T. L. (2015). Delinquent peers and offending: Integrating social learning and biosocial theory. Youth Violence & Juvenile Justice, 13(2), 190-206. doi:10.1177/1541204014523797

Weisner, S., & Silver, M. (1981). Community work and social-learning theory. Social Work, 26(2), 146-150. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=5273834&site=ehost-live

Weiss, H. M. (1978). Social learning of work values in organizations. Journal of Applied Psychology, 63(6), 711-718. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=5133393&site=ehost-live

Zahra, T. T., Ahmad, H. M., & Waheed, A. (2017). Impact of ethical leadership on innovative work behavior: Mediating role of self-efficacy. Journal of Behavioural Sciences, 27(1), 93-107. Retrieved from http://0-search.ebscohost.com.bravecat.uncp.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=124443724&site=ehost-live