The mechanism of “learned helplessness”

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Abstract

">It should be noted that the phenomenon of “learned helplessness” is quite objective and was discovered by the American psychologist Martin Seligman in 1967 during a series of experiments on dogs.Over a period of time, two experimental groups of dogs were exposed to electric shocks of equal intensity, to the same extent, and for the same amount of time. The only difference was that some of them could easily stop the unpleasant influence, while others managed to make sure that they could not influence the unpleasantness. The third group of dogs (control) did not receive any shock at all. After this, all three groups of dogs were placed in a box with a partition over which any of them could easily jump, and thus get rid of the electric shock. This is exactly what the dogs from the group that had the ability to control the blow did. The dogs in the control group jumped over the barrier easily. However, dogs with experience of uncontrollable troubles rushed around the box, and then lay down on the bottom and, whining, endured electric shocks of greater and greater force.It was concluded that hel

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plessness is caused not by unpleasant events themselves, but by the experience of uncontrollability of these events. A living being becomes helpless if it gets used to the fact that nothing depends on its active actions, troubles happen on their own and cannot be influenced in any way on their occurrence.Other scientists continued the study of helplessness, control and their influence on the human psyche. The results of the studies also confirmed the assumption of the positive impact of control and the ability to influence one’s life.Thus, returning to everyday life, let’s try to be more sensitive and attentive to our children. Frequent criticism, reproach, and offensive phrases can add to the collection of the described phenomenon. If your child or student received a large number of bad marks in a short time, lost interest in studying, began to skip classes and at the same time does not try to change anything, then you are probably faced with manifestations of the “learned helplessness” mechanism. This mechanism can then work throughout your life in difficult situations.</article></body>

The mechanism of “learned helplessness”

Learned helplessness is a behavioral feature that can appear as a result of systematic negative influence, which cannot be avoided. This mechanism can work in both children and adults.

For example, a child who has just started school has difficulty mastering the material in class; at home, parents do not have enough time and energy to help them figure it out; they cannot cope on their own, and as a result, they get a bad grade. If a similar situation is repeated many times, then as a result, signs of “learned helplessness” may appear. They will be characterized by the fact that activity is inhibited, motivation weakens, the ability to learn sharply decreases, and somatic disorders are added. And most importantly, “learned helplessness” tends to generalize. Having arisen in one area of life, it is transferred to others. The child may refuse any attempts to solve problems that can be solved on the basis of internal resources. Thus, failure in one subject can lead to complete abandonment of educational activities.

It should be noted that the phenomenon of “learned helplessness” is quite objective and was discovered by the American psychologist Martin Seligman in 1967 during a series of experiments on dogs.

Over a period of time, two experimental groups of dogs were exposed to electric shocks of equal intensity, to the same extent, and for the same amount of time. The only difference was that some of them could easily stop the unpleasant influence, while others managed to make sure that they could not influence the unpleasantness. The third group of dogs (control) did not receive any shock at all. After this, all three groups of dogs were placed in a box with a partition over which any of them could easily jump, and thus get rid of the electric shock. This is exactly what the dogs from the group that had the ability to control the blow did. The dogs in the control group jumped over the barrier easily. However, dogs with experience of uncontrollable troubles rushed around the box, and then lay down on the bottom and, whining, endured electric shocks of greater and greater force.

It was concluded that helplessness is caused not by unpleasant events themselves, but by the experience of uncontrollability of these events. A living being becomes helpless if it gets used to the fact that nothing depends on its active actions, troubles happen on their own and cannot be influenced in any way on their occurrence.

Other scientists continued the study of helplessness, control and their influence on the human psyche. The results of the studies also confirmed the assumption of the positive impact of control and the ability to influence one’s life.

Thus, returning to everyday life, let’s try to be more sensitive and attentive to our children. Frequent criticism, reproach, and offensive phrases can add to the collection of the described phenomenon. If your child or student received a large number of bad marks in a short time, lost interest in studying, began to skip classes and at the same time does not try to change anything, then you are probably faced with manifestations of the “learned helplessness” mechanism. This mechanism can then work throughout your life in difficult situations.