Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) addresses both the psychosocial dynamics influencing health behavior and the methods of promoting behavioral change. It emphasizes that a person's behavior and cognitions affect future behavior. Physical and health educators have used SCT ideas creatively to develop procedures or techniques that influence these underlying cognitive variables, thereby increasing the likelihood of behavioral change. This article offers a brief history of the development of Social Cognitive Theory, descriptions of key concepts, and some examples of SCT used in designing physical and health education programs.