AN: Social learning theory

SLT - indirect (vicarious) and direct reinforcement.

Modelling - imitating the behaviour of a role model.

Identification - person respects the model or perceives them as being successful or glamorous and associate thinness with these desirable traits.

Media - communication channels, e.g. TV, film, books.  This provides a rich source of symbolic models and is a powerful transmitter of cultural ideals about body size and shape.  Size zero is presented as a body shape for young women to aspire to.

Vicarious reinforcement - celebrities being rewarded with fame, success, wealth and respect.

Mediational processes - attention, retention, reproduction, motivation.

Reinforcement - consequences of our actions (positive/negative)

Evaluations - strengths

+ Supporting evidence - Dittmar et al (2006)

+ Cultural changes - AN less common in non-western cultures, but incident rates are increasing…