How Do You Spell LEARNED HELPLESSNESS?

Pronunciation: [lˈɜːnd hˈɛlpləsnəs] (IPA)

The spelling of "learned helplessness," a psychological concept describing a state of apathy resulting from repeated unsuccessful attempts to escape a negative situation, can be explained by its IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable's vowel is pronounced as "ə," like the "a" in "sofa," followed by the "r" sound. The second syllable begins with the "n" sound, then shifts to the "d" sound as in "duke." The third syllable starts with the "hh" sound, like "hut," before moving to the "p" sound, producing "help." The final syllable features the "l" sound and the "n" sound, pronounced like "less."

LEARNED HELPLESSNESS Meaning and Definition

1. Learned helplessness is a psychological phenomenon that refers to a state of perceived powerlessness or passive behavior that individuals develop after repeatedly facing uncontrollable or adverse situations. The concept was first coined and extensively studied by psychologist Martin Seligman in the 1960s.

   According to Seligman, individuals experiencing learned helplessness believe that their actions have no effect on the outcome of the situation, leading to a perceived lack of control over their circumstances. This often results in a diminished motivation to try new approaches or take action even when opportunities for change arise. Individuals may internalize a belief that they are unable to influence outcomes and thus, develop a sense of inevitability about their failures or negative experiences.

   Learned helplessness commonly occurs as a result of earlier experiences where individuals have experienced repeated failures or setbacks that were beyond their control. The feeling of helplessness can become generalized to various aspects of life, leading individuals to exhibit passivity, complacency, or resignation in the face of adversity. This psychological state can significantly impact an individual's emotional well-being, motivation, and overall functioning.

   Understanding learned helplessness is crucial for mental health professionals as it can help in recognizing and addressing this state in individuals. Therapeutic interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can focus on promoting a sense of control, challenging negative beliefs, and building resilience to overcome the sense of helplessness.

Etymology of LEARNED HELPLESSNESS

The term "learned helplessness" was coined by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the late 1960s, based on their research on animal behavior. The word "learned" implies that the helplessness is not innate but acquired through experience and behavior. Meanwhile, "helplessness" refers to the state of being without power or control, unable to change or improve a situation.

The term originated from a series of experiments conducted by Seligman and Maier. In these experiments, dogs were subjected to inescapable electric shocks. Eventually, the dogs stopped trying to avoid the shocks, even when an opportunity to escape was presented. They had learned that they were helpless to change their situation, leading to the notion of "learned helplessness".