Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A key factor refers to an influential element that plays a significant role in shaping personality according to the social-cognitive perspective. It is an important consideration often overlooked by traditional behaviorists.
Related terms
Self-efficacy: Self-efficacy refers to one's belief in their ability to accomplish tasks and reach goals.
Locus of control: Locus of control describes whether individuals perceive themselves as having control over events in their lives (internal locus) or attribute outcomes to external forces (external locus).
Reciprocal determinism: Reciprocal determinism suggests that personality is shaped through interactions between personal factors, behaviors, and environmental influences.