Amrita and Anjali Malik
M.D. University, Rohtak
Pages: 493-501
Social learning suggests individuals learn behaviors by observing and imitating others,
especially within a social context. Social learning theories represent a social behavioral
perspective highlighting the intricate interplay among, behavioral, environmental, and
cognitive factors influencing human behavior (Bandura,1977). Akers ‘ social learning
theory is a major theory to understand social learning in the context of deviant behaviors.
Akers’ theory holds within itself four key premises: definitions, differential reinforcement,
differential association, and imitation, and suggests that within a social context, the
same learning processes can lead to both conforming and deviant behaviors, with the
distinction lying in the balance of influences on behavior (Akers and Sellers, 2018).
This study explores the relationship between elements of social learning and aggressive
driving. Here, aggressive driving refers to any on-road behavior that jeopardizes the
safety of others or property through deliberate actions without regard for safety, ranging
from risky behavior to outright violence. To achieve the objective, a sample of 100
drivers aged 21-28 from various cities in Haryana were selected. Aggressive driving
behavior was measured using the aggressive driving scale, while elements of social
learning were assessed using Akers’ social learning scale. The findings reveal a
significant relationship between all elements of social learning and aggressive driving
except punishment, suggesting a deep association between these social learning
components and aggressive driving. The implications of the study are discussed at
length in the paper.