According to Bandura, what influences aggressive behavior?

Albert Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes the role of observational learning in behavior development. According to Bandura, individuals can learn new behaviors, including aggressive behavior, by observing others. This process occurs through modeling, where a person witnesses someone acting aggressively and then mimics that behavior. The influence of models, such as parents, peers, or media figures, can significantly shape an individual’s understanding of what behaviors are acceptable or desirable in certain situations.

The concept of observational learning highlights that aggression is not simply a result of direct reinforcement or personal experiences; instead, it often stems from watching others and the environments around them. When individuals observe aggressive actions being rewarded or going unpunished, they may be more likely to replicate those behaviors themselves, leading to a cycle of aggression influenced by those observed models. This underlines the importance of context and social influences in understanding and addressing aggression.