Social Learning and the Life-course When do the concepts of social learning theory operate? Childhood? Adolescence? Gerald Patterson’s “Coercion theory” “Definitions” and “Imitation” not central Focus on early childhood, and rewards/punish “Parental Efficacy”

Patterson’s Coersion Theory Parental Efficacy Supervise Recognize Consistent Punish and Reinforce Family Structure SES Social Support Early Onset Delinquency

Patterson and OSLC research Recruited “high risk” children Stealers, fire-starters, truants… Focus on training parents Also cognitive/behavioral stuff with kids Able to substantially reduce delinquency, improve school performance