Social learning theory proposes that individuals who report unexplained symptoms:
A) learn how to adopt the sick role from their family physician.
B) learn to adopt the sick role to please their parents.
C) develop a fear of illness via classical conditioning.
D) develop a fear of illness via operant conditioning.
E) observe and internalize the health-related opinions and behaviours of close others.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social learning theory proposes that individuals learn through observation and imitation of the attitudes and behaviors of those around them. Therefore, individuals who report unexplained symptoms may have learned to do so by observing others in their social environment who exhibit similar behaviors, such as family members or peers. This is consistent with the idea that individuals internalize the health-related opinions and behaviors of close others, and thus learn to adopt health-related behaviors that may or may not be medically necessary.

Social Learning Theory Proposes That Individuals Who Report Unexplained Symptoms