Learned helplessness
Learned helplessness is a state in which, after repeated experiences of lack of influence, a person stops trying to act, even when there is a real possibility of change.
Definition
Learned helplessness is associated with the experience of lack of control over important consequences. It can lead to a decrease in motivation, lower belief in influence and avoidance of attempts to act. Contemporary approaches emphasize that the key is not only "learning helplessness", but also learning control: regaining the experience that specific actions can actually change the situation.
Key ideas
Missing key ideas.
Practice and life
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to confuse learned helplessness with laziness. It is also a mistake to jump straight into big changes when the motivational system first needs small proofs of agency.
Questions for self-reflection
No questions for self-reflection.
Sources
No sources.