The social cognitive theory of personality posits that personality is shaped by interacting _______ factors, _________ factors, and behavior.

The social-cognitive theory of personality posits that personality is shaped by interacting social factors, cognitive factors, and behavior.

• Social factors refer to those that are learned through observation. This includes the behaviors, attitudes, and values of the people we interact with, such as our parents, teachers, friends, and peers.
• Cognitive factors stem from cognitive interpretations of the observed social environment. This includes our thoughts, beliefs, and expectations about ourselves and the world around us.
• Behavior is the outward expression of our personality. It is what we say and do and how we interact with others.

These three factors interact with each other in a reciprocal manner, meaning that they all influence and are influenced by one another. For example, our behavior can influence the way others treat us, which can then change our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves. Our thoughts and beliefs can also influence our behavior, such as when we decide to avoid a situation because we are afraid of how we will be perceived.

The social-cognitive theory of personality is a dynamic and complex model of human development. It recognizes that personality is not fixed but rather is constantly evolving as we interact with our environment. This theory has been used to explain a wide range of behaviors, from aggression to altruism.

Here are some examples of how the social cognitive theory of personality can be applied to real-life situations:

• A child who observes her parents being kind and helpful to others is more likely to develop a prosocial personality.
• A student who is praised for her academic achievements is more likely to continue to work hard in school.
• A person who is afraid of public speaking may avoid social situations, which can then reinforce their fear.

The social-cognitive theory of personality is a valuable tool for understanding how our personality develops and changes over time. It can also be used to help us modify our behavior and achieve our goals.