Theories

The Blind Side

David J. Whetzel

Capella University

This paper is an analysis and examination of two theories I chose for my course project. The two theories that I will be talking about are Social Cognitive Theory and Behavioral Theory. Social Cognitive Theory was started by Miller & Dollard in 1941 (Bandura, 2001). Bandura & Walters started and finished the theory where Miller & Dollard left off and expanded on the theory (Pervin & John, 2001). Behavioral Theory a lot of other theorists who were working on this theory, but Albert Bandura was the person that added the dynamics that behaviors can be changed (Schultz & Schultz, 2013).

Basic Philosophies of Theory/Theoretical Constructs

Behavioral Theory states that the behaviors that individuals learn are learned by the environment and people associated with the individual, and these behaviors are given to the individual through classical and operant conditions that the individual has no control over (Pervin & John, 2001). Behavioral Theory is common among medical professionals and not just therapists and counselors, and is used to replace any destructive behaviors an individual may have and replace them with more appropriate behaviors (Schultz & Schultz, 2013). Behavioral Theory helps guide the client and teaches them to cope in situations that are difficult and that may cause them to have anxiety. Those who suffer from disorders such as eating disorders and pain management can benefit from Behavioral Theory (Schultz & Schultz, 2013).

Classical conditioning involves learning a new behavior through the process of association (Pervin & John, 2001). For example if a person is afraid of spiders the use of guided participation would be useful. For instance an individual can watch a movie about spiders and pause the movie when they began experiencing anxiety. Then the individual can go to a pet store and watch a spider such as a tarantula move around and eat, and then asking...