Social Learning and the Role of the Mental Health Professional in the Collaborative Divorce Process
Social learning theory, which was developed in the early to mid-20th century by Albert Bandura, is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of observational learning, modeling, and the role of social interactions in shaping behavior. His theory has significantly impacted the fields of psychology, education, and criminology and has applicability to the Collaborative Divorce Process in a variety of ways:
Parental Behavior and Coping Mechanisms: Social learning theories suggest that children learn by observing and modeling the behaviors of those around them, particularly their parents. In the context of divorce, children are likely to watch how their parents handle stress, conflict, and emotional distress. As a result, the Collaborative Process utilizes a neutral Mental Health Professional to help parents learn more effective ways of coping with emotional and interpersonal divorce challenges. When parents demonstrate prosocial behaviors, their children are more likely to model healthier behaviors themselves.