Self Regulation

The Social Cognitive approaches to personality, also known as Social Learning Theory or Social Cognitive Theory, emphasize the role of observational learning, reciprocal determinism, and self-regulation in the development and expression of personality. Among the given options, the primary way that self-regulation is achieved in Social Cognitive approaches is through the use of internal self-reinforcement(Fiske & Taylor 2021). While external reinforcement plays a role in Social Cognitive Theory, it is not the primary means of self-regulation. External reinforcement is a part of observational learning, where individuals learn behaviors through the observation of others' actions and consequences. Self-regulation in Social Cognitive Theory involves the use of internal reinforcement, where individuals reward themselves for their actions and behaviors. This internal reinforcement can take the form of self-pride, self-satisfaction, or self-punishment, which in turn influences future behaviors and actions. Social Cognitive Theory does not place a strong emphasis on unconscious processes. Instead, it focuses on the conscious and intentional aspects of learning and behavior (Ozimek & Förster 2021). While external cues can influence behavior in Social Cognitive Theory, they are not the primary means of self-regulation. External cues are a part of the environment that can trigger learned behaviors, but self-regulation involves the individual's active role in monitoring and controlling their behavior. The primary way that self-regulation is achieved in Social Cognitive approaches to personality is through the use of internal self-reinforcement.

Fiske, S. T., & Taylor, S. E. (2021). Social cognition (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Ozimek, P., & Förster, J. (2021). The social online-self-regulation-theory: A review of self-regulation in social media. Journal of Media Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications, 33(4), 181–190.