SELECT COLLEGE
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
HEALTH EDUCATION INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
BY: HIWOT GETACHEW MULAT
ID: MGMRRH/197/22
SUBMITTED TO: Dr. TEKLEMARIAM
FEBRUARY, 2024
Social cognitive theory (SCT) is a framework for understanding and predicting human behavior,
especially in the context of health and physical activity. SCT proposes that behavior is
influenced by a dynamic interaction of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors
Social cognitive theory (SCT) application on regular exercise
Behavior: This refers to the actions and habits of the individual, such as frequency, intensity,
duration, and type of exercise. Behavior is influenced by the other factors, but also influences
them in return.
Engaging in regular exercise can increase self-efficacy and positive outcome
expectations, which can then motivate further, exercise behavior.
Personal factor: This includes the cognitive, affective, and biological characteristics of the
individual, such as knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and genetics. Personal factors can
affect how the individual perceives and responds to the environment and the behavior.
Having a positive attitude towards exercise can enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction
of the activity, which can then increase the likelihood of adherence and maintenance.
Environment: This encompasses the physical and social surroundings of the individual, such as
the availability and accessibility of exercise facilities, the weather, the social norms, and the
support or pressure from others. Environment can facilitate or hinder the behavior, as well as
provide cues and feedback for the behavior.
Having a supportive friend who exercises regularly can provide social modeling,
reinforcement, and encouragement for the individual to exercise as well.
Behavioral capability: This refers to the skills and abilities of the individual to perform the
behavior, such as the knowledge of how to exercise, the physical competence, and the self-
regulation skills. Behavioral capability can affect the quality and effectiveness of the behavior, as
well as the confidence and satisfaction of the individual.
Learning how to perform different types of exercise correctly can improve the safety
and health benefits of the activity, as well as increase the self-efficacy and enjoyment
of the individual.
Expectations: This involves the anticipated outcomes and consequences of the behavior, such as
the benefits and costs of exercise, the short-term and long-term effects, and the positive and
negative feedback. Expectations can influence the motivation and decision of the individual to
engage in or avoid the behavior.
Expecting that exercise will improve one's physical and mental health, appearance,
and mood can increase the incentive and intention to exercise regularly.
Self-efficacy: This is the belief and confidence of the individual in their ability to perform the
behavior and overcome the challenges and barriers. Self-efficacy is one of the most important
and influential factors in SCT, as it affects the initiation, persistence, and maintenance of the
behavior, as well as the emotional and cognitive reactions to the behavior.
Having high self-efficacy can enhance the effort and resilience of the individual to
exercise regularly, even in the face of difficulties and setbacks.
Observational learning: This is the process of acquiring and modifying the behavior by
observing and imitating the actions and outcomes of others, such as peers, family, friends, role
models, or media. Observational learning can provide information, motivation, and
reinforcement for the behavior, as well as shape the norms and expectations of the individual.
Watching a video of someone exercising can provide instructions, inspiration, and
feedback for the individual to exercise as well.
Reinforcements: This refers to the rewards and punishments that follow the behavior, either
from one self or from others, such as praise, criticism, incentives, or sanctions. Reinforcements
can affect the frequency and intensity of the behavior, as well as the satisfaction and motivation
of the individual.
Receiving a compliment or a prize for exercising can increase the pleasure and
incentive of the individual to exercise more often.
Reciprocal determinism: This is the core concept of SCT, which states that behavior, personal
factors, and environment interact and influence each other in a bidirectional and dynamic way.
This means that the individual is both an agent and a product of their behavior and environment,
and that the behavior and environment are both causes and effects of each other.
Exercising regularly can improve one's mood and self-esteem, which can then affect
how one perceives and interacts with the environment, which can then provide more
opportunities and support for exercising, and so on.
