General Information About Learned Helplessness
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the psychology of accepting defeat from the outset without making any effort, even if circumstances change and success becomes possible, due to past uncontrollable failures an individual has experienced.
Psychologist Martin Seligman administered mild electric shocks to dogs with no opportunity to escape; the dogs eventually gave up when they realized they could not break free regardless of their actions. Later, even when placed in an environment from which they could escape, they did not attempt to do so, accepting their helplessness.
It is exemplified by someone who repeatedly starts diets but fails to lose weight, eventually surrendering to obesity by saying 'Nothing works,' or a student who fails exams and completely stops studying, developing the perception of 'I am already stupid.'
It is one of the primary feeders of depression. The person becomes inactive, isolates themselves in bed, and their energy plummets because they believe they have lost control of their life and will be unhappy no matter what they do.
No, the individual does not do this consciously. The brain has neurologically conditioned the belief that expended effort will be futile. The person genuinely and blindly believes they are helpless.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective method. Accompanied by a clinical psychologist, the individual is first directed towards small, achievable tasks. Through these minor successes, the individual's perception of 'I am in control' is rebuilt, tearing down the entrenched wall of erroneous beliefs.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
