The first Bandura. A panoramic analysis of his work

Objective: The present study analyzes the legacy of Albert Bandura (1925–2021), one of the most prominent figures in global psychology, through a general bibliometric analysis of his work, and then focuses on the first 40 years of his extensive production. Method: A bibliometric analysis and a historical description of Albert Bandura’s publications in journals belonging to the Scopus and WoS databases were carried out. His production was examined by decade, identifying the most representative topics and publications. Results: Evidence shows that Bandura began to develop the foundations of his theory of cognitive social learning in the first decades of his career, with a focus on experimental research and the practical use of its results, providing a novel perspective on the understanding of human behavior. He would later continue to develop his research on topics such as self-efficacy, self-regulation, and agency, seeking their application in various contexts. Conclusion: The study highlights the historical and conceptual significance of Albert Bandura’s early work, emphasizing his central role in the paradigmatic shift of psychology toward more integrative approaches focused on practical applications for human well-being. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping fields such as psychotherapy, educational psychology, health, and public policy, fostering a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of human behavior. Accordingly, Bandura’s work remains a foundational reference with a lasting impact on psychology and related disciplines, inviting continued exploration of both his legacy and its far-reaching implications.