social learning - Psychological explanation for Anorexia

• What does the social learning theory suggest about anorexia?

  observing role models and imitating their behaviour (modelling) leads to development of anorexia
• What kind of role model might impact children?

  real life or cartoon

  modify social norms by changing what they believe to be acceptable and unacceptable behaviour
• What is vicarious reinforcement and punishment in terms of anorexia?

  reinforcement- watching other being praised for anorexic behaviours

  Punishment - stopping behaviour after observing punishment
• What is a strength of social learning explanation for Anorexia?

  Ditmar-

  questioned girls about self esteem and confidence in own body after given emme doll or barbie

  Did this through making them colour pictures representing their ideal and current body)
• What is alternative research support for social learning explanation for Anorexia?

  Becker-

  influence of media (tv)

  America media was introduced into Fjia

  found- more cases of anorexia
• What is a weakness of the social learning explanation for Anorexia?

  • diathesis stress model - both genetic and social influences need to be acknowledged
  • fails to explain anorexia in men
• What are the strength and weakness of social learning explanation for anorexia?

  +ve= research by Ditmar and Becker

  -ve= diathesis stress model

  fails to explain men