Albert Bandura was instrumental in advancing behavioral psychology through his research in vicarious learning. He was preeminent in changing the focus of behaviorism by expanding that narrow paradigm to include vicarious learning. Bandura revealed that we learn through watching others rather than through trial-and-error effort. Social Learning Theory specifies the conditions under which we are optimally going to acquire new ideas and behaviors. This research has fueled the use of modeling and social exposure as tools for shaping behavior and values.

Bandura’s research showed that our observation and cognitive rehearsal of other’s behavior was profoundly influential in how we acquire our skills and values. His book, Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory, describes social learning theory.

Self-Efficacy Theory is based on extended research that shows how we feel about our ability to manage in life, and is more important to our overall well-being than just having positive feelings. Self-Efficacy Theory emerges out of Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. This is a recent and profound shift in the field of Positive Psychology. As it turns out, we cannot remain in a positive mood when we are feeling powerless and ineffectual. Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control, by Albert Bandura, outlines in detail the elements that support the development of self-efficacy.