The social cognitive theory (SCT) was elaborated by Bandura based on the experiment with Bobo dolls. It was revealed that children who observed aggressive models of playing also practiced similar behaviors, while those who viewed others playing peacefully were likely to be non-aggressive (Harmon et al., 2014). The very purpose of the theory was to explain that people learn from observation of their environment. Since the selected program implies that children will exercise together as a part of the intervention, it is possible to state that SCT and the program target similar goals.
The evidence shows that SCT is extensively used in addressing childhood overweight and obesity. For example, the studies by Bagherniya, Sharma, Mostafavi, and Keshavarz, (2015) and Knol et al. (2016) discuss that playing may be used to provide observational learning and contribute to their successful weight loss. There are no studies that explore parks as the environmental factor in the context of SCT as a way to prevent obesity. However, several studies focus on educational and nutritional aspects of the given problem, which are similar to the program intervention. For example, it is possible to note the research by Lee et al. (2016) who focus on a nutrition education program that was developed for low-income families. It is important to state that potential barriers, perceived benefits, and self-efficiency concepts were put in the core of the intervention. Therefore, these articles prove that the use of the identified theory is beneficial and appropriate for the target behaviors of children. As it can be seen from this review of the recent studies, SCT is a well-supported theoretical foundation that is presented in the relevant scholarly literature.
References
Bagherniya, M., Sharma, M., Mostafavi, F., & Keshavarz, S. A. (2015). Application of social cognitive theory in predicting childhood obesity prevention behaviors in overweight and obese Iranian adolescents. International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 35(2), 133-147.
Harmon, B. E., Nigg, C. R., Long, C., Amato, K., Kutchman, E., Anthamatten, P.,… Hill, J. O. (2014). What matters when children play: Influence of social cognitive theory and perceived environment on levels of physical activity among elementary-aged youth. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 15(3), 272-279.
Knol, L. L., Myers, H. H., Black, S., Robinson, D., Awololo, Y., Clark, D.,… Higginbotham, J. C. (2016). Development and feasibility of a childhood obesity prevention program for rural families: Application of the social cognitive theory. American Journal of Health Education, 47(4), 204-214.
Lee, S. B., Jeong, Y. R., Ahn, H. J., Ahn, M. J., Ryu, S. A., Kang, N. E., & Oh, S. Y. (2015). The development of a nutrition education program for low-income family children by applying the social cognitive theory and health belief model. Korean Journal of Community Nutrition, 20(3), 165-177.