Question

The construct of Observational Learning focuses on an individual’s ability to learn from observing someone else’s behavior and the consequences of that behavior. Thinking about a health issue of interest to you, how could you incorporate this construct into a health promotion intervention aimed at reinforcing or discouraging a particular health behavior?

Answer 1

A health issue of particular interest to me is the increasing lack of physical activity among children. Observational learning can be used to inculcate physical activity habits among children as well as adolescents. Regular physical activity was can encouraged by having the opportunity to watch role models such as parents, friends, and other relatives. Rostamian and Kazemi (2016) reported that parents, in particular, play an essential role in socializing adolescents and can serve as appropriate role models for teaching them physical activities.

References:

Kazemi, A., & Rostamian, M. (2016). Relationship between observational learning and health belief with physical activity among adolescents girl in Isfahan, Iran. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 21(6), 601-604. doi:10.4103/1735-9066.197681