Learned helplessness: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:38, 16 February 2025

Learned Helplessness[edit]

Learned helplessness is a psychological condition in which an individual learns to believe that they have no control over the outcome of a situation, even when they do have the power to change their circumstances. This phenomenon was first identified by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the 1960s through experiments with dogs.

History[edit]

The concept of learned helplessness emerged from research conducted by Seligman and Maier. In their experiments, dogs were subjected to a series of electric shocks from which they could not escape. Over time, these dogs stopped trying to avoid the shocks, even when they were later placed in a situation where escape was possible. This behavior was termed "learned helplessness."

Mechanism[edit]

Learned helplessness occurs when an individual is repeatedly exposed to an aversive stimulus that they cannot escape or avoid. Over time, the individual learns to become passive and accept the situation, even when opportunities to change it are available. This is thought to be due to a cognitive shift where the individual believes that their actions have no effect on the outcome.

Implications[edit]

Learned helplessness has significant implications for understanding depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It suggests that individuals who experience uncontrollable stressors may develop a sense of helplessness that contributes to the onset of these conditions. This concept has been applied to various fields, including education, where it helps explain why some students may give up on learning tasks.

Applications[edit]

In clinical psychology, learned helplessness is used to understand and treat conditions like depression. Therapeutic approaches may focus on helping individuals regain a sense of control and efficacy. In education, strategies are developed to prevent learned helplessness by fostering a growth mindset and resilience in students.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''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.
+== Learned Helplessness ==
-==Overview==
+[[File:Shuttle_Box_Dog_Orange.png|thumb|right|A dog in a shuttle box experiment, illustrating learned helplessness.]]
-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==
+'''Learned helplessness''' is a psychological condition in which an individual learns to believe that they have no control over the outcome of a situation, even when they do have the power to change their circumstances. This phenomenon was first identified by psychologists [[Martin Seligman]] and [[Steven Maier]] in the 1960s through experiments with dogs.
-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==
+== History ==
-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==
+The concept of learned helplessness emerged from research conducted by Seligman and Maier. In their experiments, dogs were subjected to a series of electric shocks from which they could not escape. Over time, these dogs stopped trying to avoid the shocks, even when they were later placed in a situation where escape was possible. This behavior was termed "learned helplessness."
-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==
+== Mechanism ==
-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==
+Learned helplessness occurs when an individual is repeatedly exposed to an aversive stimulus that they cannot escape or avoid. Over time, the individual learns to become passive and accept the situation, even when opportunities to change it are available. This is thought to be due to a cognitive shift where the individual believes that their actions have no effect on the outcome.
+== Implications ==
+Learned helplessness has significant implications for understanding [[depression]], [[anxiety]], and other mental health disorders. It suggests that individuals who experience uncontrollable stressors may develop a sense of helplessness that contributes to the onset of these conditions. This concept has been applied to various fields, including [[education]], where it helps explain why some students may give up on learning tasks.
+== Applications ==
+In [[clinical psychology]], learned helplessness is used to understand and treat conditions like depression. Therapeutic approaches may focus on helping individuals regain a sense of control and efficacy. In [[education]], strategies are developed to prevent learned helplessness by fostering a growth mindset and resilience in students.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Depression (mood)]]
+* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
+* [[Resilience (psychology)]]
 * [[Martin Seligman]]
-* [[Cognitive-behavioral therapy]]
-* [[Depression]]
-* [[Stress (psychology)]]
-* [[Resilience (psychology)]]
 [[Category:Psychology]]
-[[Category:Mental health disorders]]
+[[Category:Behavioral concepts]]
-{{Psychology-stub}}