According to the social-cognitive theory, maladaptive behaviors and personality pathologies are the result of dysfunctional learning. Theorists argue that like other behaviors, maladaptive responses might also be a result of direct experiences or by exposure of bizarre behaving models. Moreover, Bandura claimed that the constant exposure of aberrant behavior of parents could be imitated by individuals possibly leading them to have pathologies of personality; for this to occur is not necessary to have neither initial traumatic events nor history of reinforced …show more content…
People of different ages, but particularly children, are prone to imitate and engage in violent behaviors after been exposed to it. This theory has been perhaps one of the most important contributions to society since many scholars conclude that people’s social behaviors do not happen by trial and error, but learned through symbolic imitation, (Bandura et al., 1963; Breuer, Vogelgesang, Quandt, & Festl, 2015; Von Salisch, Vogelgesang, Kristen, & Oppl, 2011; Willoughby, Adachi, & Good, …show more content…
Differences are what make cultures diverse. However, modeling or vicarious learning occurs in all races, cultures, and even in animals, (Cervone & Pervin, 2013). Behavioral adaptation and survival have been possible through the observation and vicarious learning. Individuals are prone to learn from a very young age; they might also reinforce their behavior observing consequences of those around them. Social learning is one of the first forms of acquiring knowledge, adapting, and forming lasting behaviors, (Henrich & McElreath, 2003). It also has been found that male dominance exists among almost every culture regardless of age. This is a product of observational learning. For instance, in a study conducted by Tomada and Schneider (1997) it was found that Italian boys are more overtly and relational aggressive than girls. Italian boys showed similar tendencies of observational learning as American boys. Moreover, submissiveness of Italian girls seem also be on par with American