Q:
DQ 2: Please explain the concept of learned helplessness. Many of you work in environments were you may see the impact of learned helplessness. What are some of the consequences that might result from learned helplessness? Provide an example of a situation that might lead to an individual displaying this helplessness-like phenomenon.
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. While 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 situation, they may also begin to behave in a helpless manner. This inaction can lead people to overlook opportunities for relief or change. According to Terry (2009) learned helplessness can result in motivational and cognitive deficits. Learned helplessness has also been associated with several different psychological disorders. Depression, anxiety, phobias, shyness andlonelinesscan all be exacerbated by learned helplessness. For example, a woman who feels shy in social situations may eventually begin to feel that there is nothing she can do to overcome her symptoms. This sense that her symptoms are out of her direct control may lead her to stop trying to engage herself in social situations, thus making her shyness even more pronounced.