What is Reciprocal Determinism?

Reciprocal determinism is a central concept in Bandura’s social learning theory, which states that a person’s behaviour is influenced by the environment and that an individual’s behaviour can also influence and shape the environment. This theory posits a bidirectional relationship between an individual and the environment, where one action can impact both in different ways. 

A core part of this theory is that it focuses on how these relationships support learning new knowledge, skills, and behaviours. This is seen through positive and negative reinforcement, similar to theories linked to behaviourism. If the individual receives a positive response from using a specific knowledge, skill, or behaviour, they are likely to repeat it. The same effect occurs if the individual receives a negative response. The knowledge, skill or behaviour is less likely to be repeated. 

Within the theory of Reciprocal Determinism, also sometimes referred to as ‘Triadic Reciprocal Causation,’ Bandura describes the relationship between an individual and the environment as split into three interconnected sections, each impacting and being impacted by the others. The three sets of factors are personal, environmental, and behavioural. 

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Personal or cognition: 

This factor focuses on an individual’s personal expectations, beliefs, and personality characteristics, as well as their cognitive thoughts, such as likes and dislikes. This section describes how an individual might choose or display a specific behaviour based on these characteristics, especially if they have been rewarded in the past.

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Environmental: 

This factor focuses on the physical and social environment in which the behaviour occurs. A person’s physical and social environment influences the intensity and frequency of the behaviour, and the behaviour itself can also affect the environment. For example, the people present in the environment and the attitudes, beliefs, and ideas they hold can influence an individual.

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Behavioural: 

This factor within the theory focuses on anything the individual does that may be rewarded or punished. Cognitive processes and environmental factors influence a person’s behaviour. Each section is interconnected and cannot function effectively without the others.