Social Learning Theory Analysis

Zastrow and Kirst-Ashman (2013) describe a perspective of Social learning theory in that previous theorists were interested in the behavioral component of morality. This particular element argues that we as individuals gradually learn to behave morally from an early age. As children grow they will be faced with situations that require them to access prior experiences that lay a foundation of expectations and standards of conduct (Zastrow et al.’s 2013). From an early age children view their parents as role models for doing what is right versus what is wrong (Zastrow et al.’s 2013). Sharaf, Thompson and Walsh (2009) provide an interesting example of this regarding suicide risk behaviors for at risk adolescents in that their findings confirm

Sousa, Riberio and Rodrigues (2006) argue that intervention based on a deficit approach fails in that there is a lack of pro-active vision of what people need to move towards instead of a sense of what they need to move away from. This deficit approach fails to recognize that human systems are autonomous and that growth is a process where the effect of the environment is minimal (Sousa et al.’s 2006). Sousa et al.’s (2006) reminds us that every individual, family and community has strengths on which they can rely to gain control over their lives. Sharaf et al.’s (2009) explains that this can be achieved through programs that teach self-esteem enhancement and strategies to mobilize support for youth at risk for suicide. Sharaf et al.’s (2009) reiterates that enhancing teen’s awareness of personal assets and positive aspects of self is fundamental to building intrapersonal skills for coping with intrusive suicidal thoughts in the face of low support resources. Sharaf et al.’s (2009) emphasizes that connections with a parent or another caring adult are almost universally central to positive mental health outcomes. Thus, one could argue that social learning theory provides a basis for predicting how an at risk teen will view suicide as a morally wrong endeavor through his or her connection with a parent or