Explain Some Behaviors Of Same-Sex Adults

Explain Some Of The Behaviors Of The Same Sex Adult That You Learned A

Explain some of the behaviors of the same-sex adult that you learned as a child and now demonstrate. Based on social cognitive theory, explain how you might have acquired the behaviors. Be specific. Use proper APA format and citations. Think about how social psychology and, specifically, Bandura’s social cognitive theory, explains how modeling affects cognitive development and behavior.

Consider your childhood and select a same-sex adult who influenced your personal development. The same-sex adult could include a primary caregiver, extended member of the family, or family friend with whom you were close as a child.

Paper For Above instruction

From childhood to adulthood, individuals often emulate behaviors observed in influential same-sex adults, reflecting the powerful impact of modeling on social and cognitive development. These behaviors can range from interpersonal communication styles and emotional regulation to specific habits and problem-solving strategies. Drawing from Bandura’s social cognitive theory, the acquisition of such behaviors occurs through observational learning, whereby individuals observe, imitate, and internalize the actions and attitudes of models they identify with or admire. This essay explores some behaviors I learned from a same-sex adult during childhood, how I continue to demonstrate these behaviors today, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying this process.

During my childhood, I observed my father, a same-sex adult, demonstrating resilience and calmness in stressful situations. A prominent behavior I learned from him was the way he approached conflicts with patience and rationality rather than aggression. He modeled effective communication and emotional regulation, which I internalized through repeated observation and practice. As an adult, I find myself employing these conflict-resolution strategies, especially in high-pressure environments, indicating that these behaviors have been internalized and are now part of my habitual responses. This aligns with Bandura’s concept that modeling behaviors serve as cognitive scripts that guide future actions (Bandura, 1977).

Furthermore, I adopted my father’s work ethic and punctuality, perceiving these traits as essential for personal and professional success. His example demonstrated dedication, responsibility, and diligence, which I observed consistently. Over time, these traits became embedded in my own behavior, influencing my attitude towards my responsibilities. Bandura emphasized that reinforcement and self-efficacy play crucial roles in maintaining modeled behaviors (Bandura, 1986). My positive reinforcement, such as praise from teachers and grade improvements, strengthened my commitment to these behaviors, illustrating the interaction between observational learning and motivation.

In terms of emotional expression, I learned from my father how to manage emotions effectively and maintain composure during challenging circumstances. This behavior was reinforced as I saw him handle setbacks with optimism and resilience. Such modeling contributed to my emotional regulation skills and my capacity for empathy, which continue to influence my interactions. Social cognitive theory posits that observing models expressing appropriate emotional responses enhances the observer’s ability to regulate their own emotions, thus fostering social competence (Bandura, 1986).

Specific to cognitive development, modeling by my father facilitated the acquisition of problem-solving skills and decision-making processes. Watching him navigate complex situations calmly and logically served as a cognitive blueprint, enabling me to develop similar approaches. Bandura’s concept of cognitive processes, including attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, explains how these behaviors are learned and retained (Bandura, 1986). Observational learning involves not just imitation but also the internal rehearsal of behaviors, which is vital for skill acquisition and behavioral consistency.

The influence of modeling extends to social norms and values, shaping my attitude toward discipline and morality. My father’s consistent demonstration of honesty and respect for others fostered similar values within me. These behaviors, reinforced over time, have become integral to my social identity. Bandura emphasized that models serve as sources of social standards, and their behaviors influence individuals’ own conceptions of appropriate conduct (Bandura, 1986).

In conclusion, the behaviors I learned from a same-sex adult during childhood, such as emotional regulation, work ethic, conflict resolution, and moral values, continue to influence my actions today. Social cognitive theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how observational learning, cognitive processes, reinforcement, and self-efficacy contribute to the acquisition and maintenance of these behaviors. Recognizing the profound impact of models in personal development underscores the importance of positive role models in shaping resilient, responsible, and empathetic individuals.

References

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