Social Cognitive Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory defines human behavior as a triadic, dynamic and reciprocal interaction of personal factors, behavior and the environment and emphasizes strongly the role and power of the mind as an active force. The author points out that Bandura's social cognitive or learning theory is the most common theory used in public health to study various health problems, such as immunizations. The paper relates that, based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an extension of SCT, the therapist also is a diagnostician and educator who applies performance-based and cognitive interventions to produce changes in the depressed patient's thinking, feeling and behavior.

From the Paper:

"Male and female socialization experiences and environments have been viewed as leading to the prototypical female sex-role through social devaluation of the role and women's abilities, women's powerlessness and the chronic environmental stressors unique to women. CBT, which has been the most prominent approach for the treatment of depression, has been seen as providing little relief or solution to the issue, as it does not address gender differences. Clinicians may have informally discussed the issue but it will not make a difference until it is incorporated into theory and treatment manuals. It thus becomes the concern of CBT researchers and clinicians to address and investigate sex differences as an aspect in depression and to confront how they understand and treat women, who comprise 2/3 of clients."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brown, K M. (1999). Social Cognitive Theory. University of South Florida. http://www.med.usf.edu/~kmbrown/Social_Cognitive_Theory_Overview.htm
• Dobson, K. S. and Drew, M. L. (1999). Negative Self-Concept in Clinical Diagnosis. Canadian Psychology. Canadian Psychological Association.
• Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology. (2001). Depression. Encyclopedia of Psychology. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_q2699/is_0004/ai_2699000439
• Hawkins, W. E. (2005). Depression Therapy with Injection Drug Users. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
• Hurst, S. A. (1995). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a Feminist Orientation. Canadian Psychogy. Canadian Psychological Association.

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