According to social learning theory, what factor can significantly reinforce behavior?

Social learning theory posits that behavior is learned through the observation of others and the consequences that follow those behaviors. The concept of reinforcement in this context emphasizes that individuals not only learn by direct experience but also by seeing the outcomes of others' actions. This applies to both positive reinforcement, where observing someone receive rewards for a behavior may encourage similar behavior, and negative reinforcement, where observing the consequences of undesirable behavior discourages that behavior. Thus, positive or negative reinforcement through observation is a significant factor in shaping an individual's behavior according to social learning theory.

In contrast, while emotional support from family, monetary rewards, and structured education programs can influence behavior, they do not directly embody the core principle of social learning theory regarding observational learning and its reinforcement aspect.