What does social cognitive theory primarily explain?

Social cognitive theory primarily explains the interplay between behavioral, environmental, and cognitive influences on an individual's actions and learning. This theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes that people are not only influenced by their environment and their external behaviors but also by their thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions.

By incorporating these three elements, the theory provides a comprehensive understanding of how individuals learn from observing others and how they are influenced by their social context. For instance, a person's behavior can be shaped by modeling the actions of others, and this process is also influenced by the individual's cognitive processes, such as expectations and self-efficacy.

In contrast, the other options are too narrow in scope. Focusing solely on behavioral influences ignores the significant role that cognition and environmental factors play in shaping behavior. Limiting the explanation to emotional responses or environmental factors alone fails to capture the complexity of human behavior that social cognitive theory addresses. By integrating cognition, behavior, and the environment, this theory offers deeper insights into how people learn and adapt their behaviors in different contexts.