Learned helplessness

Learned Helplessness is a psychological condition in which an individual learns to feel powerless and unable to avoid negative situations, even when opportunities to escape or make a change are present. This concept was first identified by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in 1967 after conducting experiments on dogs. Their research demonstrated that after experiencing uncontrollable and unavoidable electric shocks, the dogs would not attempt to escape the shocks in a new situation where escape was possible. This phenomenon has since been observed in humans and other animals, suggesting a broad applicability across species.

Overview

Learned helplessness occurs when an individual faces a stressful situation repeatedly and comes to believe that they are unable to control or change the situation, leading to a state of passivity and depression. This condition can affect many areas of a person's life, including academic performance, personal relationships, and mental health. It is closely associated with feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and can contribute to the development of various psychological disorders.

Causes

The primary cause of learned helplessness is exposure to uncontrollable and unavoidable negative events. However, factors such as personality, past experiences, and the presence of mental health disorders can influence an individual's susceptibility to developing learned helplessness. For example, individuals with a pessimistic outlook on life or those who have experienced trauma may be more prone to learned helplessness.

Symptoms

Symptoms of learned helplessness can vary but often include:

• A lack of effort or motivation
• Feelings of hopelessness and despair
• Passivity in situations where control is possible
• Difficulty learning new responses to overcome challenges
• Low self-esteem and self-efficacy

Treatment

Treatment for learned helplessness involves therapeutic interventions aimed at helping individuals regain a sense of control over their lives. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, as it helps individuals challenge and change negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of helplessness. Building coping skills, improving problem-solving abilities, and enhancing resilience are also key components of treatment.

Prevention

Preventing learned helplessness involves creating environments that promote autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In educational settings, this can be achieved by providing students with choices and encouraging active participation in learning. In the workplace, offering employees opportunities for skill development and acknowledging their achievements can help prevent feelings of helplessness.

See Also

• Martin Seligman
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Depression
• Stress (psychology)
• Resilience (psychology)