Amy Ward: Bandura

Many similarities existed between the reigns of Catherine and Elizabeth, the previous Empress of Russia.  Bandura would point to his theory of Observational Learning and the importance of modeling to help explain these similarities. 

            Part of Bandura’s theory included three aspects important for the effectiveness of learning from a model.  The first is the “characteristics of the model” (Engler, 249).  Bandura said that if the model is perceived to be prestigious, then they are more likely to be emulated.  Elizabeth was the most powerful person, man or woman, in the entire country.  She was indeed prestigious, and more than likely that influence was not lost on Catherine.  Perhaps an added importance was that Elizabeth had insinuated herself into a maternal role for Catherine, and had ensured a fierce loyalty in return (Erickson, 48).

Catherine could easily identify with Elizabeth.  Both were women of about the same age.   Both were healthy and energetic.  Both were in powerful positions.  Bandura would use this example that the more similar the person perceives the model to be to him or herself, then the more likely they will emulate the behaviors (Engler, 249). 

According to Bandura, hostile behaviors are more readily emulated.  While Elizabeth tended to be wildly unpredictable, sometimes warm and loving, then turning cold and harsh, Catherine did not carry on this trait in her reign (Erickson, 78).  However, Bandura also noted that Observational Learning was not limited to imitation, but involved learning from the mistakes of the model and then acting in a more positive and healthy fashion (Engler, 249).  Bandura could theorize that perhaps since Catherine had tasted so often the effects of such an unpredictable favor, that she became more determined to let her natural, even temper prevail.

Secondly, Bandura said that if a person is highly motivated, for whatever reason, then they are also more likely to adopt the behavior of their model in order to become more proficient and meet their goal (Engler, 249).  For Catherine, her motivation was the well being of the entire nation.  Years before, Elizabeth had taken control of the government by using the Preobrazhensky Guards as her military might (Erickson, 42).  Catherine would make a much more competent and caring ruler than would Peter.  Also, she was in danger of being divorced and sent away to live out her life in a monastery.  These were both highly personal and social reasons to take control of Russia.  She chose to use the same method Elizabeth had used many years before (Erickson, 213).

Finally, Bandura believed that the most powerful aspect of them all was if the person believed that their “…actions [would] lead to positive short- or long-term results” (Engler, 249).  Catherine was characteristically confident in her actions and in their positive outcome.  Thus, she ushered in many changes in government and had many ideas designed to increase the influence and stability of Russia (Erickson, 232).

References

Engler, B. (2003). Personality Theories: An Introduction. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Erickson, C. (1994). Great Catherine. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.