ALBERT  BANDURA

Social Cognitive Theory

Social Cognitive Theory is founded on an agentic conception of human development, adaption, and change. To be an agent is to influence the course of events by one's actions. Social cognitive theory subscribes to a causal structure grounded in triadic reciprocal causation. In this triadic codetermination, human functioning is a product of the interplay of intrapersonal influences, the behavior individuals engage in, and the environmental forces that impinge on them. Because intrapersonal influences are a part of the determining conditions in this triadic interplay, people have a hand in shaping events and the course their lives take .

Bandura A. (2005). The evolution of social cognitive theory. In K. G. Smith & M. A. Hitt (Eds.) Great Minds in Management (pp. 9-35). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bandura, A. (2006). Toward a psychology of human agency. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 1, 164-180.
Bandura, A. (2018). Toward a psychology of human agency: Pathways and reflections. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13 (2), 130-136.
Bandura, A. (2008). The reconstrual of “free will” from the agentic perspective of social cognitive theory. In J. Baer, J. C. Kaufman & R. F. Baumeister (Eds.), Are we free? Psychology and free will (pp. 86-127). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bandura, A. (2016). The power of observational learning through social modeling. In R. Sternberg, S.T. Fiske, & D.J. Foss (Eds). Scientists making a difference (pp. 235-239). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Bandura, A. (2006). On integrating social cognitive and social diffusion theories. In A. Singhal & J. Dearing (Eds.). Communication of innovations: A journey with Ev Rogers, (111-135). Beverley Hills; Sage Publications.
Bandura, A. (1983). Temporal dynamics and decomposition of reciprocal determinism. Psychological Review, 90, 166-170.
Bandura, A. (2002). Social cognitive theory in cultural context. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 51, 269-290.
Bandura, A. (2002). Growing primacy of human agency in adaptation and change in the electronic era. European Psychologist, 7, 2-16.
Bandura, A. (2001). The changing face of psychology at the dawning of a globalization era. Canadian Psychology, 42, 12-24.
Bandura, A. (2008). Toward an agentic theory of the self. In H.W. Marsh, R.G. Craven, & D.M. McInerey (Eds.), Advances in Self Research, Vol 3: Self-processes, learning, and enabling human potential (pp. 15-49). Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
Bandura, A. (1991). Social cognitive theory of self-regulation. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 248-287.
Bandura, A. (1999). A social cognitive theory of personality. In L. Pervin & O.P. John (Eds.), Handbook of personality (2nd ed., pp. 154-196). New York: Guilford Publications.
Bandura, A. (2011). A social cognitive perspective on positive psychology. Revista de Psicologia Social, 26, 7-20.
Bandura, A. (2011). But what about that gigantic elephant in the room? In R. Arkin (Ed.), Most unappreciated : 50 prominent social psychologists talk about hidden gems (pp. 51-59). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bandura, A. (2011). Social cognitive theory. In P.A.M. van Lange, A.W. Kruglanski, & E.T. Higgins (Eds.). Handbook of social psychological theories (pp. 349-373). London: Sage.
Bandura, A. (2009). Science and theory building. Psychology Review, 14, 2-4

VIDEOS

An agentic perspective on human nature. Book launch Q&A with editor of Albert Bandura's final book.
Toward an agentic theory for the new millenium. Cape Town Address.
Inside the Psychologist Studio with Albert Bandura.
Introduction to Social Cognitive Theory, Davidson Films.

BOOKS

Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.
Bandura, A. (Ed.) (1995). Self-efficacy in changing societies. New York: Cambridge University Press,.
Bandura, A. (2016).Moral Disengagement: How good people do harm and live with themselves. New York: Worth.
Bandura, A. (2023). Social Cognitive Theory: An agentic perspective on human nature. New Jersey: Wiley & Sons.