Social learning theory actually grew out of behaviorism. Scientists began to question whether or not behaviorism was too limited in its explanation of human behavior. Many believed that thoughts and feelings had more influence on behaviors than the behaviorists claimed. A noted social learning theorist, Albert Bandura (1969), argued that both internal and external events influence our behavior. By this, he meant that external events, such as rewards and punishments, influence behavior, but so do internal events, such as feelings, thoughts, and beliefs. Bandura began to bridge the gap between behaviorism and cognitive theory, which we will discuss next.
Social learning theorists believe that imitation and identification are also important in the development of sexuality. For example, we identify with our same-sex parent and begin to imitate him or her, which helps us develop our own gender identity. In turn, we are praised and reinforced for these behaviors. Think for a moment about a young boy who identifies with his mother and begins to dress and act like her. He will probably be ridiculed or even punished, which may lead him to turn his attention to a socially acceptable figure, most likely his father. Peer pressure also influences our sexuality. We want to be liked, and therefore we may engage in certain behaviors because our peers encourage it. We also learn what is expected of us from television, our families, even from music.