Understanding Abuse Through SCT

Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is used in learning and psychology to explain knowledge acquisition as well as beliefs through social interaction. According to this theory, what we learn and believe comes to be in society and not in isolation. This is possible through the interactions of cognitive/biological, environmental, and behavior factors. These interactions are explained through Triadic Reciprocal Determinism (TRD). Each factor interacts with each other but not necessarily balanced. The environment interacts with behavior offering cues of acceptance or rejection, these cues are interpreted cognitively and acted upon as a response to the environment. We are both influenced by our environment as we are influencers of it. We are not in total control of our circumstances but we are not completely controlled by them.

Abuse is a harmful, injurious, or offensive way of treatment. It could be both physical and psychological. Understanding abuse through SCT provides a foundation to depict abuse within a context, and also classification of interpretations and responses to it. For instance, abuse could be classified as an environmental factor or as a behavior depending on the abuser/victim perspective. When a person is abused it is interpreted and acted upon in response. In some cases victims of abuse become perpetrators in response. How a person responds to abuse or acts upon as an abuser depends on cognitive interpretations. Each instance of abuse has a specific context and multiple variables to be considered.

Behavioral cues towards the environment can provide insights of how abuse marked a person’s life. Retraction from social interaction, violence, hot temper, lack of coping skills are some examples of indications of abuse an its effects. Human’s cognitive capacity to interpret symbols and environmental cues provides the opportunity for individuals to surpass or conquer their circumstances using abuse antecedents as a form of a learning experience and motivation to improve their lives and help others find a path for rehabilitation.

The scars of abuse might never disappear but how people respond to their past is a choice that is achievable through a renewal of the mind, the soul, the heart, and the spirit. Recognizing the marks of abuse is not an enjoyable experience and cleaning the wounds of the past could be a very painful experience. However, this could be the beginning of healing. Healing is a process that won’t happen in a day but it produces joy that was lost and the chance to enjoy life away from fear.