The Concept Of A Role Model

A role model can be define as a person who mold someone else’s attitudes, values and behavior. As we already know, we tend to reproduce what other people do, not necessarily what they say. In 1977, Bandura develops the Social Learning Theory which is based on the idea that people learn from the interaction with others in a social context. We observe each other behavior and we assimilate that behavior, especially when we see that that behavior is rewarded or seen as positive.

There are three general principles for learning according to this theory: observation, imitation and modeling. In this process of social learning, Bandura identified three basic models of observational learning: “a live model – which involves an actual individual demonstrating or acting out a behavior; a verbal instructional model – which involves descriptions and explanations of a behavior’ a symbolic model – which invols real or fictional characters displaying behaviors in books, films, television programs, or online media” (Nabavi, 2014). Modeling process need four conditions so it could take place. A person has to pay attention to the model and after that to remember the behavior that has been observed so he or she can reproduce it and for all of those the person needs motivation. Those models who are the most effective in raising awareness are perceived by others as having high status, power and prestige. Role models can influence people both positive and negative.

In the Kauai Longitudinal Study, Warner found that youth with positive role models could overcome adversity and have better resilience in high-risk behavior. She also found that resilient individuals tends to have same sex role models, for example females saw a powerful model in their constantly employed mothers (Hurd & Zimmerman, 2011). Bryant and Zimmerman (2003) found a correlation between female who has mothers as a role model and their psychological well-being and male adolescence that has fathers as a role model presents better school outcomes. Positive role model within one`s family protect adolescents from negative psychological risks (Hurd & Zimmerman, 2011). Studies shows that adolescents with role models have higher grades, higher self-esteem stronger ethic identity, fewer aggressive behavior and fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms (Yancey, Siegel, McDaniel, 2002). Also role models protects youth against use of alcohol and drugs, involvement in sexual intercourse and participating in violence (hurd, Zimmerman, Xue, 2009). On the other hand, if a model has a negative behavior than it will have a negative influence over the observer.

For example, if the model observed has an anti-social behavior is related directly and indirectly to violence participation (Hurd, Zimmerman, Reinschl, 2010). Scales et al. (2001) discovers the fact that 1 in 4 adolescents are having a positive role model, many having a negative one or none. In spite of the fact that having no role model is bad, having a celebrity or an inaccessible adult as a role model can also lead to harm (Hurd & Zimmerman, 2011). When we talk about characteristics of the role model, those can be relevant for both selecting it and the level of influence it has over the individual. People tend to choose those who are perceived as being similar to themselves (racially, ethically, gender), helping them to discover their identity and role in society, to develop and establish future goals (Hurd & Zimmerman, 2011).