Learned helplessness is a fascinating and important concept in psychology. Here's a breakdown of what it is:
Definition:
Learned helplessness is a psychological state in which an individual, after repeatedly experiencing uncontrollable negative events, believes they are powerless to change their situation.
This leads to a sense of passivity and a lack of motivation, even when opportunities for change become available.
Key Characteristics:
~ Perceived Lack of Control: The core of learned helplessness is the belief that one has no control over what happens.
~ Passivity: Individuals exhibiting learned helplessness tend to give up and stop trying, even in situations where they could make a difference.
~Negative Expectations: They develop a pessimistic outlook, expecting negative outcomes regardless of their actions.
Origins:
The concept was first described by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven F. Maier through experiments with animals.
Impact on Humans:
~ Learned helplessness can contribute to various mental health issues, including:
~ Depression
~ Anxiety
~ Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It can also affect academic performance, work productivity, and overall well-being.
Factors that contribute to learned helplessness:
~ Repeated exposure to stressful or traumatic events.
~ Experiences of abuse or neglect.
~ A lack of perceived control in various life situations.
In essence, learned helplessness is about "learning" that your actions don't matter. This learned belief then stifles future actions, even when those actions could produce positive results.
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