The concept of social learning theory in relation to anorexia nervosa

Social learning theory (SLT) provides an explanation for anorexia nervosa (AN) by suggesting that individuals observe and imitate popular people's thinness in order to be popular themselves. This theory highlights how people, particularly young individuals seeking identity and self-esteem, may be especially vulnerable to developing AN.

Core ideas of social learning theory for AN

• Observation and imitation - Individuals notice the thinness of influential or popular people and replicate this trait.
• Cultural context - SLT explains the higher prevalence of AN in cultures where thinness equates to attractiveness, particularly in Western societies.
• Gender differences - The theory accounts for why AN is more common among females, as societal standards often link low body weight with beauty for women.
• Specific demographics - It also addresses the increased incidence of AN among homosexual men, who often value thinness more than heterosexual men.

The role of reinforcement in developing anorexic behaviours

Reinforcement plays a crucial part in SLT by increasing the likelihood of repeated behaviours. Observed behaviours are imitated if others vicariously reinforce the behaviour by responding favorably.

Types of reinforcement influencing AN

• External reinforcement - This occurs when others respond positively to weight loss, such as giving compliments or showing approval.
• Internal reinforcement - Individuals may experience personal satisfaction or improved self-image from losing weight.
• Positive reinforcement - Receiving praise or admiration for a slim appearance acts as a reward.
• Negative reinforcement - Avoiding criticism or mockery for being overweight by maintaining a thin figure.

The influence of media on anorexia nervosa prevalence

Media, as a powerful form of public communication, significantly contributes to the development of AN by promoting thinness as desirable. This influence is particularly strong in Western cultures.

How media shapes perceptions of thinness

• Desirable images - Media outlets consistently depict thinness as attractive, influencing individuals to aspire to similar body types.
• Gender disparity - Women are exposed to a higher volume of these idealised images compared to men, which contributes to the greater incidence of AN among females.
• Cultural impact - These images are observed and imitated to the point where AN develops.

Key research supporting the social learning theory explanation

Several studies provide evidence for the SLT explanation of AN, demonstrating how observed behaviours and cultural influences contribute to the condition's prevalence.

Bemis (1978) and Garner & Garfinkel (1980) on media trends

• Method - Bemis reviewed several decades of Playboy centrefold models, while Garner & Garfinkel examined Miss America winners over time.
• Results - Both studies found a consistent trend of decreasing body weight among these figures, illustrating how media sources present female thinness as attractive.
• Conclusions - These findings support SLT by showing the promotion of thinness as desirable.

Herzog et al. (1991) on homosexual men and role models

• Method - Investigated the body weight preferences of role models among homosexual and heterosexual men.
• Results - Homosexual men tended to admire role models who were significantly lighter in weight compared to those admired by heterosexual men.
• Conclusions - This supports the idea that heightened levels of AN among gay men can be explained by reference to SLT.

Lai (2000) on cultural shifts in Hong Kong

• Method - Examined the rise of AN among Chinese individuals in Hong Kong during a period of increasing Westernisation.
• Results - The prevalence of AN increased as Western media became more influential in the region.
• Conclusions - This suggests that SLT affects cultural influences upon AN, in this case by western media images promoting female thinness as desirable.

Evaluations and practical applications of the social learning theory

While SLT offers valuable insights into the development of AN, it is not without limitations. Its strengths and weaknesses, along with practical implications, provide a balanced understanding of its applicability.

Strengths of the social learning theory explanation

• Cultural and gender relevance - SLT is better able than biological explanations or the FST to explain why the prevalence of AN has increased and why it occurs more in females and certain cultures.
• Research support - SLT has a wealth of research support, which supports it as a valid explanation for AN.

Limitations of the social learning theory explanation

• Continuation of behaviour - SLT cannot explain why dieting continues after compliments for losing weight stop, or when negative comments commence.
• Selective impact - SLT does not explain why only some women develop AN, when all women are subjected to the same media images of thinness being attractive.

Practical applications of social learning theory

• Positive role models - Presenting positive images of media role models, such as females with fuller-sized figures as models, should encourage females to develop such a figure themselves due to the vicarious reinforcement received by such models.

Issues and debates in social learning theory

• Environmental determinism - Although the SLT explanation of AN is environmentally determinist, as it sees the condition as caused by learning experiences outside of an individual's control.
• Cognitive elements - There is a cognitive element too, as there is focus upon memory and attention, when observing and imitating anorexic behaviour.