Learned Helplessness
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: ...