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Questions and Answers
Learned helplessness can begin as early as infancy due to unresponsive caregivers.
Learned helplessness can begin as early as infancy due to unresponsive caregivers.
True
The phenomenon of learned helplessness is only relevant to children and does not affect adults.
The phenomenon of learned helplessness is only relevant to children and does not affect adults.
False
Learned hopefulness is a method proposed to overcome learned helplessness.
Learned hopefulness is a method proposed to overcome learned helplessness.
True
Common symptoms of learned helplessness include increased motivation and a strong self-esteem.
Common symptoms of learned helplessness include increased motivation and a strong self-esteem.
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Children who feel they have no control over past events may develop anxiety and depression.
Children who feel they have no control over past events may develop anxiety and depression.
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Behavioral disability can influence a person's ability to recognize and express emotions.
Behavioral disability can influence a person's ability to recognize and express emotions.
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The concept of learned helplessness was first introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura.
The concept of learned helplessness was first introduced by psychologist Albert Bandura.
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Learned helplessness can lead to chronic feelings of sadness and low self-esteem.
Learned helplessness can lead to chronic feelings of sadness and low self-esteem.
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The theory of learned helplessness primarily relates to physical disabilities.
The theory of learned helplessness primarily relates to physical disabilities.
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Seligman conducted his early experiments on learned helplessness with cats.
Seligman conducted his early experiments on learned helplessness with cats.
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Study Notes
Disability
- A condition that prevents a person from performing a task or function due to a physical or mental impairment.
Learned Helplessness
- Developed by Martin E.P. Seligman in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- The theory proposes that repeated exposure to uncontrollable negative outcomes can lead to a belief that outcomes are uncontrollable.
- This can lead to passivity, even when escape from aversive stimuli is possible.
- Originally observed in dogs, later replicated with human subjects.
- Has been linked to and used as an explanation for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in humans, though it is not without criticism.
- Can be overcome through learned hopefulness.
Learned Helplessness in Children
- Can originate in childhood due to unreliable or unresponsive caregivers.
- Can begin very early in life, with children raised in institutionalized settings exhibiting symptoms of helplessness even during infancy.
- Common symptoms include:
- Failure to ask for help
- Frustration
- Giving up
- Lack of effort
- Low self-esteem
- Passivity
- Poor motivation
- Can also lead to anxiety, depression, or both.
- Children can avoid learned helplessness by building resilience through positive attachment, humor, and independence.
Learned Helplessness in Adults
- Manifests as a lack of adaptive responses to difficult situations.
- Individuals may accept that bad things will happen and that they have little control over them.
- They may be unable to resolve issues, even when potential solutions exist.
- Examples:
- Continuing to smoke after multiple attempts to quit.
- Being unable to lose weight after making changes to diet or lifestyle.
- Leaving a situation of domestic abuse repeatedly before finally leaving for good.
Learned Optimism
- The antithesis of learned helplessness.
- Encourages individuals to challenge negative thought processes and adopt a more positive outlook.
- Involves recognizing and questioning automatic negative thoughts that contribute to feelings of helplessness.
- Individuals with learned optimism actively reframe their thoughts and seek alternative explanations and solutions instead of blaming themselves or despairing.
- Cultivating learned optimism requires time and practice but can have a profound impact on well-being, motivation, and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Allows individuals to break free from the cycle of learned helplessness and create positive change in their lives.
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Description
Explore the concepts of disability and learned helplessness, focusing on their origins, implications, and effects on individuals. This quiz delves into the work of Martin E.P. Seligman and the impact of these theories on mental health, particularly in childhood development.
