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Social Modeling (SLT) Can Influence Alcohol

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The most significant viewpoint of the Social Learning Theory (SLT) states that modeling (observational learning) can influence alcohol and drug use (or any other substance related behaviors) in three ways:
• Firstly, the acquisition (starting to use alcohol) is the tendency to repeat a pattern of behaviour if a person observes similar the use of substances in the environment, he/ she will become more likely to imitate them;
• Secondly, inhibition and disinhibition (strengthening or weakening the restraints against alcohol use) is the tendency in the person to view other people as giving in to temptation or resisting the temptation to use addictive substances, he/ she becomes more likely to giver in or resist the use of these addictive substances;
• Thirdly, …show more content…

When expectations are formed, the person subjectively evaluates the outcome or the consequences of a particular activity or Outcome Expectation. For e.g. the effects of relaxation after consuming alcohol is perceived as positive. The theory emphasizes that there are various aspects of alcohol drinking patterns such as Direct Positive Outcomes (the repetition of an action due to influence of the family, peer and society) and Negative Reinforcement (the repetition of actions even though negative such as drinking alcohol to block out arguments with family members). Further, the theory proposes Observational Learning (reinforcement of behaviour will occur when the person is exposed to such situations) such as watching peers having fun when intoxicated. The Social learning model also suggests that alcohol drinking is impacted by Environmental Learning (other people give approval by accepting the person to the group). The Cognitive Learning occurs when alcohol drinking is associated with stress relief and positive alcohol expectancies such as increased sociability, courage,

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