Social learning theory proposes that people learn behaviors by watching and imitating others. For example, a child might learn how to play a video game by watching their older sibling, or a teen might pick up aggressive tendencies from witnessing their parents argue. Your child may be more likely to imitate a behavior if they associate it with a desired outcome, such as gaining popularity. If they perceive that the behavior comes with a negative consequence, such as social rejection, they’re less likely to imitate it.