Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which psychotherapeutic approach is Albert Bandura most associated with?

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

2. Social Learning Theory

3. Psychoanalysis

4. Humanistic Psychology

The correct answer is: Social Learning Theory

Albert Bandura is most notably associated with Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in the development of behavior. His research demonstrated that individuals can learn new behaviors by watching others, rather than solely through direct experience or reinforcement. This concept was groundbreaking as it expanded the understanding of how behaviors could be learned within a social context, rather than just through traditional behaviorist ideas of rewards and punishments. Social Learning Theory highlighted the importance of cognitive processes in learning, suggesting that individuals actively interpret and engage with their environments rather than passively receiving information. Bandura introduced key concepts such as self-efficacy, which refers to a person's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations, further emphasizing the cognitive aspect of learning. The other approaches mentioned, while influential in their own right, do not adequately capture the core principles established by Bandura. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for example, focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, integrating cognitive and behavioral techniques but is not the theoretical framework that Bandura is primarily known for. Similarly, Psychoanalysis and Humanistic Psychology arise from different philosophical foundations and focus on diverse aspects of human experience and development.