Learned Helplessness Theory

Definition

The learned helplessness theory is a psychological concept that suggests individuals develop feelings of helplessness and passivity when they repeatedly experience uncontrollable negative events. This theory proposes that people learn to believe they have no control over their circumstances, leading to decreased motivation and increased vulnerability to depressive disorders.

Related terms

Attributional Style:

Refers to how individuals explain the causes of events or outcomes in their lives. A pessimistic attributional style, often associated with learned helplessness, involves attributing negative events as permanent (unchangeable), pervasive (affecting many aspects of life), and personal (resulting from one's own flaws).

Depressive Disorders:

Mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, low energy levels, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Self-Efficacy:

Belief in one's ability to successfully execute tasks and achieve desired outcomes. High self-efficacy helps protect against learned helplessness by fostering confidence in one's ability to overcome challenges.