Social Work Project: Analysis of Anthony Bryan's Behavior Using SCT

This social work project analyzes the case of Anthony Bryan, a 6-year-old boy exhibiting behavioral problems, through the lens of social cognitive theory. The project explores how Anthony's behavior is influenced by observational learning within his environment, including his parents' actions and the behaviors modeled by other family members. It discusses developmental issues, the theory's key concepts (attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation), and how these elements contribute to Anthony's actions. The analysis highlights the importance of environmental factors and parental influence in shaping Anthony's behavior, suggesting that interventions should focus on modifying the behaviors of those around him and teaching him socially acceptable behaviors. The project concludes that understanding social learning is crucial in addressing and correcting problematic behaviors, emphasizing the impact of observation and motivation on behavior acquisition.

Social Work Project
using Social Cognitive
Theory

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
CLIENT DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................1
DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES........................................................................................................1
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY- EXPLANATION......................................................................2
THEORY APPLICATION..............................................................................................................2
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................4

INTRODUCTION
Learning of behavior is derived from the environment through a process known as
observational learning. Social learning theory is an important concept in understanding the
learning of people. According to this theory, people learn by observing others and imitating them
(Choi & Kim, 2003). This theory links the cognitive and behaviorist learning theories. The
present paper is based on the analysis of provided case of Anthony Bryan.
CLIENT DESCRIPTION
Anthony is a 6 years old boy to teenage parents James and Sephora. Both, James and
Sephora have themselves been deprived of parental love in childhood. Anthony has been
presenting problems related to behavior. He has behaved in a fearless manner in school, breaking
the school rules and entering into a fight with classmates. This has been a concern for Sephora
who has been called a number of times on work by Anthony’s teacher.
DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
A number of developmental issues may be faced by Anthony. As he is very energetic and
active, he would be requiring activities where he could use his energy. However, as neither
James nor Sephora were there check his behavior. While he was demonstrating aggressive
behavior in Sephora’s and James’s absence, Cynthia only gave him physical punishment. There
was lack of communication which could have developed his understanding regarding right and
wrong behavior. In addition to this, James and Sephora always encouraged him to be fearless and
admired his behavior which motivated him to strengthen it.
According to the description provided by Hutchinson on Middle childhood, middle
childhood may be filled with vulnerability for some children as was the case with Anthony.
Moreover, evolving nature of family relationships has had impact upon Anthony’s behavior.
According to Hutchinson, children has a tendency to become connected to familial history of
child abuse even when they would have themselves not experienced it (Hutchison, 2014). The
events and individuals that have directly influenced the lives of parents, grandparents and great
grandparents also influence the behavior of children. When Anthony entered school, he was less
prepared for social expectations that were presented by the school environment. Moreover, his
readiness to confront challenges was shaped by previous experiences.
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SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY- EXPLANATION
Social learning theory was proposed by Bandura. According to this theory, people learn
by observing one another. This theory focuses on attention, memory and motivation. By
observing others, one is able to form an idea of the ways in which new behaviors are learnt
(Bandura, 1978). In future occasion, the memory of this coded information acts as a guide for
people to adopt new behavior. According to social learning theory. Human behavior is a
continuous reciprocation and interaction between cognitive, environmental and behavioral
influences.
This theory comprises of four stages namely, attention, retention, reproduction and
motivation. The capabilities of a person impacts his attention towards a behavior. Retention is
the next stage which is concerned with remembering the observed behavior. The behavior is then
reproduced on the basis of the retention. A good reason to imitate that behavior provides
motivation to an individual to continue it.
THEORY APPLICATION
Reflecting on the theory, it can be analyzed that Anthony’s behavior was what he had
learnt by observing others around him. He had seen his parents live fearlessly without obeying
any rules. James takes Anthony along with him to visit his friends. Most of the family members
of James were involved in local drug trade. This shows that they were engaged in unethical
behaviors which would have also influenced Anthony. His maternal grandmother Cynthia often
spanks him with objects which would have made him learn to behave in an unacceptable manner.
In addition to this, his behavior was always admired and appreciated by James and Sephora
which would have provided Anthony the motivation to repeat his behavior.
From the application, it is implied that Anthony’s problematic behavior can only be
corrected by improving the environment and behavior of those around him. Rather than spanking
him with objects, Anthony should be dealt in a polite manner with appropriate communication
and reason. Further, Sephora and James are required to remind Anthony of his wrong behavior
the moment he adopts it rather than motivating and admiring him for the same. They need to
teach him those aspects of behavior that are socially acceptable.
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CONCLUSION
From the paper, it can be concluded that social learning theory can be applied for
understanding the reasons behind behavior of a person. People learn by observing others around
them. The learnt behavior is repeated in the presence of motivations.
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REFERENCES
Journals and Books
Bandura, A. (1978). Social learning theory of aggression. Journal of
communication, 28(3), 12-29.
Choi, D. H., & Kim, J. (2003). Practicing social skills training for young
children with low peer acceptance: A cognitive-social learning
model. Early Childhood Education Journal, 31(1), 41-46.
Hutchison, D. E. (2014). Dimensions of Human Behavior: The Changing Life Course. 5th ed.
SAGE Publications.
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