Social Learning Theory

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While the program draws on social learning theory’s main concepts it does lack some integral components to the theory that if adopted would aid in the success of the program. This program is aimed at 7th and 8th graders for only 12 weekly sessions that may last up to an hour. According to social learning theory the earlier, longer, and more frequently an individual is exposed to a program the greater effect it will have on behavior. The more a student’s “patterns of differential association are balanced in the greater exposure” to non-deviant behaviors the more likely they are to engage in non-deviant behaviors (Akers & Jensen, 2006, 39). The program should be implemented in lower grades so positive associations occur earlier in the student’s …show more content…

Social control theory “assumes that delinquent acts result when an individual’s bond to society is weak or broken” (Hirschi, 1969, 16). Individuals with weak social bonds therefore are more likely to engage in delinquent acts than those with strong social bonds. The main components of Hirschi’s (1969) social control theory that effect ones bond to society are attachment, commitment, involvement and belief. A lack of attachment from others results in an individual who is “free from moral restraints” (Hirschi, 1969, 18). An individual who has attachments to others therefore cares about the expectations of other people and is bound by their shared norms. Commitment occurs when an individual invests time and energy in a certain conventional activity and when considering a deviant activity they “must consider the cost of this deviant behavior” and the risk “of losing the investment” in the conventional activity (Hirschi, 1969, 20). Involvement describes an individual’s participation in conventional activities and how this involvement leaves little to no time to engage in deviant activities. Lastly, belief is the existence of a common value system held among society or a group. The value system aids in shaping individual’s beliefs about what is right and wrong (Hirschi, 1969). These components of social control theory can meaningfully inform the development RAIN program and help aid in its

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