The core tenets of social cognitive theory (SCT) focus on the interrelationship among three sets of factors—namely personal, environmental, and behavioral. These factors are often described as being part of a reciprocal causal network whereby environmental, personal, and behavioral factors interact to determine a range of attitudinal and behavioral consequences. One of the key underpinning
This article delves into the intricate relationship between social support and disclosure outcomes within the realm of health psychology. The introduction provides a succinct overview of the pivotal role social support plays in health contexts, setting the stage for an exploration of theoretical frameworks guiding the understanding of social support mechanisms. The body of the
Social cognitive theory explains human accomplishments and well-being in terms of the interplay between individuals’ attributes, their behavior, and the influences operating in their environment. According to this view, people are contributors to their life circumstances, not just the products of them. They are characterized by a number of basic capabilities. These include cognitive, vicarious
This article explores the intricate relationship between social support and heart health within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with a foundational overview of heart health’s significance, the study delves into the multifaceted mechanisms of social support, examining emotional, instrumental, and informational dimensions. The subsequent section elucidates the psychological pathways through which social support influences
This health psychology article explores the intricate relationship between social engagement and cognitive decline, emphasizing the pivotal role of social interactions in shaping cognitive health. The first section delves into the concept of cognitive reserve, elucidating how various social activities contribute to building resilience against cognitive decline. Subsequently, the impact of loneliness and social isolation
Social Norms Definition Social norms are attributes of groups that generate expectations for the behavior of group members. Two types of norms differ in the source of the expectations. Descriptive norms refer to what most people in a group think, feel, or do; prescriptive or injunctive norms refer to what most people in a group
Social Power Definition Social power is the potential for social influence. The available tools one has to exert influence over another can lead to a change in that person. Social power and social influence are separate and distinct concepts. Although social power is potential (which may or may not be used), social influence is an
Social Categorization Definition Social categorization refers to the way a person’s mind clusters together individuals who share important characteristics. A person mentally groups people on the basis of their demographic features (e.g., sex, age, ethnicity, or religion), personality and interests (e.g., extraverts, nerds), and occupation, to name some of the most common types of social
Social Cognitive Neuroscience Definition Social cognitive neuroscience is the study of the processes in the human brain that allow people to understand others, understand themselves, and navigate the social world effectively. Social cognitive neuroscience draws on theories and psychological phenomena from across the social sciences, including social cognition, political cognition, behavioral economics, and anthropology. The
Social Projection Definition Social projection refers to the tendency to assume that others are similar to oneself. Students who cheat on their statistics exams, for example, probably believe that many others cheat as well, whereas honest students think that cheating is rare. Projection is not limited to value-laden behaviors such as cheating versus being honest