Learned Helplessness Essay

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1 Running head: LEARNED HELPLESSNESS Learned Helplessness Cristen Luke North East Lakeview College Author Note This paper was prepared for Psychology ------, taught by Professor Shawne Ortize LEARNED HELPLESSNESS 1 Introduction The text book states that learned helplessness is “the sense of hopelessness and resignation learned when a human or an animal perceives no control over repeated bad events.” (6th edition Exploring Social Psychology pg.58) When learning this disorder in Social Psychology, the issue at hand was a bit shocking. Often as a psychology major would do to find out about disorders or phobias that are bizarre this one was quite intriguing. It seems like everyone at one point or another has experienced something that may not qualify as the norm but then again we are only humans and no one is without fault. “Learned helplessness occurs when an animal is repeatedly subjected to an aversive stimulus that it cannot escape. Eventually, the animal will stop trying to avoid the stimulus and behave as if it is utterly helpless to change the situation. Even when opportunities to escape are presented, this learned helplessness will prevent any action. The concept is strongly tied to animal psychology and behavior; it can also apply to many situations involving human beings. When people feel that they have no control over their Learned Helplessness 3 situation, they may also begin to behave in a helpless manner. This inaction can lead people to overlook opportunities for relief or change. The impact of learned helplessness has been demonstrated in a number of different animal species, but its effects can also be seen in people. Consider one often-used example: A child who performs poorly on math tests and assignments will quickly begin to feel that nothing he does will have any effect on his math performance. When later faced
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