The individual component of personal identity is represented in the older, early acquired traits (Cerulo, 1997).
In a given time and social situation, certain components of personality are mobilized in action, while other components are temporarily subordinated. With a change in time and group situation, a shift of emotional integration occurs with a corresponding shift of integration into another social role; that is, other components of the self are moved into a dominant position in preparation for a particular type of social participation. This is the essence of the process of social adaptation. In this process, the individual may react to social pressure with compliance, protest, or withdrawal (Cerulo, 1997).
Being able to identify potential reactions in given situations is helpful both to the client and to the therapist. By understanding the learning process that occurs when an individual interacts with others and either adopts or rejects their behaviors, both self-assessment and clinical assessment become increasing valuable tools in the change process.
An example of how social cognitive theory can apply to real world situations is in terms of gender socialization. At the core of this theory as it applies to gender socialization is the notion that boys and girls are rewarded for what is considered to be gender-appropriate behavior and are admonished for what is considered to be gender-inappropriate behavior. They therefore learn that behaving as expected results in rewards and this encourages them to choose behaviors and actions that will result in positive affirmations. By the same token,...
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