Child Life Certification Practice Test 2026 - Free Child Life Practice Questions and Study Guide

Social Learning Theory posits that individuals learn primarily through observation and imitation of others, particularly when they see these behaviors rewarded. Developed by Albert Bandura, this theory emphasizes the importance of social context and interaction in the learning process. People are more likely to mimic behaviors they see being performed by role models, such as parents, peers, or media figures, especially when they perceive those behaviors as being successful or beneficial.

In the context of child life and development, this means that children learn social behaviors, emotional responses, and coping strategies by watching how others react to situations. For instance, a child may learn to express emotions or interact with peers by observing their caregivers or friends. This concept is crucial for child life specialists who often utilize modeling as a technique to teach children how to navigate medical situations or understand their environments.

The other methods listed—reading and writing, studying independently, and trial and error—do not encapsulate the core idea of Social Learning Theory as effectively. While those methods can support learning, they do not involve the same level of social interaction and observational learning that the theory highlights.