Social theories play a significant role in providing explanations related to the perspectives, behaviors, and drives, among particular groups in societies. Some of these groups include women, the LGBTQ community, and immigrants with criminal backgrounds. Queer theory, feminist theories are some of the theories that these particular groups link their differences in an attempt to be socially relevant. The theories indicate that social relationships are aligned to one's affiliation to social groups that are considered out of the norm. An understanding of social learning theory is essential for analyzing the results of qualitative research as it relates to social change and relationships among immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Analysis of Social Learning Theory as Used in a Research Study
Social learning theory is a significant social theory that is used to enhance an understanding of social relationships as they occur in particular groups in society. The theory establishes that learning plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior, which influences personal and group competencies. The competencies are a result of interacting with the environment in which the learning takes place. In this case, the social learning theory could be applied to various social behaviors, including aggressiveness, competitiveness, deviance, sex roles, and pathological behavior. Social theory formed the basis for the research on "Social Relationships and Health," which was conducted by House et al. (1988). The research study aimed to establish the role that social relationships play in promoting health outcomes of particular groups. The research advances the idea that socially isolated individuals are less healthy, something that increases their chances of dying. Social learning theory supports this research as it establishes the role of reinforcements in enhancing social relationships. Johnson & Bradbury (2015) asserts that individuals who find relationship worthwhile and rewarding are more likely to become socially close and in this case, report better health outcomes. This proposition applies to particular groups, including immigrants with criminal records who fear to form relationships for fear of being judged or stereotyped.
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Analysis of Quantitative Research Results in the Article
The article establishes a correlation between social relationships and health outcomes among particular groups in society. The report highlights the importance of social support, as evidenced by various quantitative research studies in the past. In 1965, Berkman and Syme conducted a nine-year study to establish that a lack of social relationships contributes to higher mortality rates. The study involved 4775 adults aged 30 to 65 years who completed a 'social network' index revolving around four types of social ties. The four items included marriage, church membership contacts with friends and extended family, and other formal or informal affiliations (Berkman & Syme, 1979). The multivariate analysis indicated that individuals who scored low on the index were twice likely to die as compared to those with a higher index. Watt et al. (2014) support this finding by establishing that the size of one social network enhances healthy behaviors while individuals with sparse social networks tend to engage in health-compromising behaviors. To this end, the study concluded that social relationships contribute to a longer life span and reduces mortality rates.
Impact of Modern Social Media on Health Promotion
The research article establishes that social relationships are an essential aspect in the society as it promotes health. Individuals with poor relationships tend to report worse health outcomes and, in turn, higher mortality rates. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have allowed individuals to form large networks of friends and, in this way, allow for vibrant social relationships. Mohammed (2017) notes that Facebook, in particular, is good for the promotion of health since it is a tool "to strengthen—and perhaps even create—relationships through likes, messaging and sharing." Facebook is effective since it helps to mitigate the adverse effects of busy schedules as a way to unwind and interact with others. This article supports the research findings since it emphasizes the significance of vibrant social relationships that are made possible by modern social media sites.
References
Berkman, L. F., & Syme, S. L. (1979). Social networks, host resistance, and mortality: a nine-year follow-up study of Alameda County residents. American Journal of Epidemiology, 109(2):186-204.
House, J. S., Landis, K. R., & Umberson, D. (1988). Social relationships and health. Science, 241, 540-544.
Johnson, M. D., & Bradbury, T. N. (2015). Contributions of Social Learning Theory to the promotion of healthy relationships: Asset or liability? Journal of Family Theory & Review , 7(1), https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12057
Mohammed, F. (2018, January 7). Why Facebook can be good for your health. Jstor Daily. https://daily.jstor.org/why-facebook-can-be-good-for-your-healthhow-to-be-good-at-facebook /
Watt, R.G., Heilmann, A., Sabbah, W., Newton, T., Chandola, T., Aida, J., Sheiham, A., Marmot, M., Kawachi, I., & Tsakos, G. (2014). Social relationships and health-related behaviors among older US adults. BMC Public Health 14, 533. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-533
