The effect of observation of model behavior on the establishment and stability of Resistance to Deviation in Children

The effect of observing the rule-following behavior of a peer model on the observer’s subsequent resistance to deviation in a setting where no non-prohibitory behavioral alternatives were provided to the observer was investigated. Ninety preschool and second- and third-grade boys who were exposed to televised peer models who resisted the temptation to play with attractive, but prohibited toys deviated less than boys in a no-model control condition during an immediate isolation period and during a one-week delayed retest. The results of the present study clearly demonstrated the efficacy of the use of nonpunitive disciplinary techniques in promoting self-control in children.