Non-Verbal Communication - Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

Non-verbal communication is a learnt behaviour rather than a natural and instinctive one

Key Concepts:

• Social Learning - How a person's behaviour with, towards and around other people develops as a result of observing and imitating others, both consciously and unconsciously
• Observation - Paying attention and watching the behaviour of the key players around us from infancy to adulthood
• Imitation - Making ourselves be like or behave like the people around us, whom we like, love or admire. It is how we copy them
• Reinforcement - When we remember the sense of reward or praise so that we do the same thing over again and it becomes habit
• Punishment - When we remember the sense of criticism or disapproval. This prevents us from repeating the action again
• Role Models - People who are seen or watched and listened to. These are often influencial adults such as parents but can be people such as celebrities, older siblings and peers.

Cultural Variations:

NVC is dependent on our upbringing as it is a learnt behaviour. There…