Social learning theory proposes that juveniles learn delinquent behavior from others through reinforcement, beliefs favorable to delinquency, and modeling. Reinforcement, whether positive or negative, increases the likelihood that a behavior will reoccur. Beliefs that justify or excuse delinquency also increase its likelihood. Modeling of delinquent acts by individuals respected in a social group leads to imitation of that behavior. Warning signs for probation officers include beliefs that violence is acceptable and a tendency toward risk-taking behaviors without responsibility. Continuing delinquent behaviors can be influenced by lack of parental guidance or constant labeling, while desisting may come from observing negative consequences or being shown alternative opportunities.

1. Social Learning
Theory
By: David Shuper,Cara Hart, Erna Rivero, Karolline
Santana, Hozana Silva Aguilar, & Ricardo Herrera

2. Social Learning Theory
• Social learning theory involves juveniles learning from
and associating with others who participate in
delinquent behavior.
• According to social theory, juveniles learn to engage in
delinquency from others through differential
reinforcement, beliefs that are favorable to delinquency,
and through modeling of delinquent behavior.

3. Reinforcement
• Frequent and serious delinquent behavior is more likely
to occur when it is constantly reinforced and rarely
punished.
• Reinforcement can either be positive or negative.
• In positive reinforcement the behavior results in
something good such as, money, approval of friends,
and gain in social status.

4. Reinforcement cont.
• Negative reinforcement is a behavior that results in the
removal of something bad such as, the alleviation of
peer pressure.
• Reinforcement increases the possibility of the behavior
and punishment reduces the possibility that such
behavior will reoccur.
• Individuals are less likely to engage in delinquency
when they believe that the possibility of punishment is
high and the possibility of reinforcement is low.

5. Beliefs
• Beliefs are another mechanism that can foster juvenile
delinquency.
• Some individuals have beliefs that are favorable to
delinquency; therefore they are more likely to commit
more frequent and serious delinquent acts.
• Some juveniles approve, justify and excuse violent acts
if someone treats them in a disrespectful manner to
uphold their respect and status within the community.

6. Beliefs cont.
• The experience of certain strains increases the
possibility of juveniles adopting such beliefs.
• Individuals living in urban areas may believe they
cannot reach success through legal means, so they
view acts of theft, drug dealing, and violence as
acceptable.

7. Imitating/Modeling
• Imitation/ modeling is the notion that individuals
participate in certain behaviors they have witnessed
• Individuals who are exposed to delinquent models are
more likely to partake in more frequent and serious
delinquent acts themselves if they believe it will have
positive results.

8. Imitating/Modeling cont.
• For example, if a younger sibling views
their older sibling participating in
delinquent acts such as, fighting, selling
drugs, and not going to school, and yet
they are someone who is respected and
liked by others in society eventually the
younger sibling is going to imitate their
criminal behaviors.

9. Warning signs for probation
officers:
1. Believes violence is acceptable in solving most all
situations.
2. Acts "macho" or "tough" which generally leads to
violence.
3. Is a "thrill-seeker" or "risk-taker"
4. Always makes excuses or placing blame on others
instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, thus
to them, justifying the delinquent behavior.
5. Always looking for the quickest, easiest solution for
problems and never wants to work for the things they
desire

10. Why kids continue with or desist
from delinquent behaviors?
Continue:
• Lack of parental guidance especially if living in abusive
homes.
• Several parents do not feel the need to "check up" on
child if getting good grades, therefore not really knowing
what he/she is really doing.
• Constantly being labeled as a "bad kid", rather than
trying to reach out and help.
Desist:
• Observing kids or loved ones get arrested, shot or dying
due to delinquent behaviors.
• Are aware of or have experienced the consequences of
committing delinquent acts

11. What could change this behavior?
• Monitoring what kids watch on television, media has a
huge impact on a child.
• Engage and show hope rather than automatically
labeling as a "bad kid" or punishing.
• Provide structure, encouragement and not leave kids
alone too often, spending time can help interact and
provide trust.
• Promote mentoring programs, that will enable the child
to interact with someone who may set a good example.

12. What could change this behavior?
Cont.
• Acknowledge and reward the child's good behavior.
• Show interest in child's extra curricular activities. Get to
know their peers and look for red flags.
• Promote responsibility and its benefits by giving child
chores, and rewarding them for completing each task
assigned
• Establish good rapport with the child. Communication is
key to any relationship.