Understanding Learned Helplessness

Learned helplessness occurs when individuals repeatedly encounter situations that feel harmful or unable to escape, leading them to stop trying to change their circumstances. This psychological concept originated from experiments conducted on animals, particularly in controlled environments like the Skinner box, where subjects would eventually stop attempting to escape electric shocks after learning they were powerless. This phenomenon is often seen in humans, particularly in abusive relationships or unhealthy environments, where ongoing stressors lead to a freeze response rather than a fight or flight response. The critical implication here is that even without conscious recognition, individuals may adopt a mindset of powerlessness, which can hinder their ability to take proactive steps in their lives.