Analyzing Domestic Violence Through Social Learning Theories

This essay examines the phenomenon of domestic violence through the lens of social learning theory, particularly Bandura's model, which posits that individuals learn aggressive behaviors by observing others, especially within family contexts. It highlights the concept of intergenerational transmission of violence, where children who witness abuse are more likely to perpetuate or become victims of it later in life. The essay also touches on the role of unequal power dynamics between men and women as a contributing factor to domestic violence. Furthermore, it suggests cognitive behavioral therapy as a potential intervention strategy, drawing from principles of learning theory to manage anger and prevent violent behavior. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of understanding intergenerational violence to develop effective prevention programs and support potential victims, as well as the role of education in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of psychological and physical violence. This essay provides a social psychology perspective on domestic violence.

Running head: Social Psychology
Social Psychology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

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Instances of a child being raped by a family member, a husband or wife raising hands on
his or her spouse, violence towards the elderly, all this and more is unfortunately a common
phenomenon in society. Child abuse is a very disturbing occurrence and according to doctors, a
child who is a victim of child abuse suffers from sexual dysfunction as an adult. Victims of child
abuse also exhibit fear, anxious behaviour, immaturity as well as high levels of antisocial
behaviour and aggression. As much as people crave for a society that is freed of all violence,
there are outbursts of aggression amongst people.
The theories that explain aggression and violence in society include Bandura (1973)’s
Social Learning Theory that opines that the behaviour of people is based by observing others,
especially children who witnesses violent acts in childhood and pursue this kind of behaviour by
entering into an abusive relationship or by engaging in domestic violence. This is known as
“Intergenerational transmission of Violence” wherein children observe the
behaviour of their parents and incorporate their behaviour later as adults.
Unequal distribution of power between men and women is also a major contributor
towards domestic violence. Women are subject to the dominance of men and remain in a
subordinate position in all aspects of life. Most men use their physical power as well as their
social power to doinate a woman and this translates into violence in some cases.
Beck and Fernandez (1998) suggests Cognitive Behavioural Therapy since it incorporates
a plethora of methods of anger management while enlisting the principles of the learning theory
(p. 64).
To conclude one can say that knowledge of the intergenerational violence aid in
developing prevention programmes and identify those who are potential victims of violence.

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Education also helps in providing an understanding of the detrimental effects of psychological
and physical violence.

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