Learned Helplessness
Definition
Learned helplessness is a psychological condition where an individual feels powerless to change their situation due to repeated failures or negative outcomes in the past.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing a video game with a notoriously difficult level. After failing multiple times, you might start believing that no matter what strategy you use, you'll never beat this level. That's learned helplessness!
Related terms
Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities causing significant impairment in daily life. Learned helplessness can contribute to depression.
Self-Efficacy: The belief one has in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task. Low self-efficacy can result from learned helplessness.
Locus of Control: Refers to how much individuals believe they can control events affecting them. Those with learned helplessness often have an external locus of control.
"Learned Helplessness" appears in:
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (7)
What does it mean to experience learned helplessness?
How has the concept of learned helplessness evolved since Seligman’s initial experiments?
In addressing learned helplessness through classical conditioning, how might one innovate traditional therapeutic methods using modern technology?
What approach would most effectively counteract learned helplessness in an academically struggling student?
A student does poorly on a test despite studying extensively; who’s concept of ‘learned helplessness’ might explain their subsequent lack of motivation?
How does the concept of learned helplessness relate to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
In dealing with learned helplessness, what strategy can psychologists utilize based on Attribution theory?
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