Learned helplessness

Definition

Learned helplessness is a psychological condition where an individual feels powerless to change their circumstances due to repeated failures or negative experiences. This state often leads to a sense of resignation, where the person believes that no matter what they do, they cannot escape their situation. It can significantly shape a character's backstory and emotional responses, influencing their actions and development throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Learned helplessness was first identified through experiments by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in the late 1960s, involving dogs that were subjected to unavoidable shocks.
2. Characters displaying learned helplessness may become passive, avoid challenges, and show decreased motivation, which can impact their relationships with other characters.
3. This condition can be portrayed as a significant obstacle in a character's journey, leading them to face inner conflicts that must be resolved for personal growth.
4. Learned helplessness is often depicted as a result of childhood experiences or traumatic events, providing depth and complexity to a character's backstory.
5. Recovery from learned helplessness can be a powerful theme in storytelling, showcasing the character's journey towards empowerment and overcoming adversity.

Review Questions

• How can learned helplessness influence a character's decision-making process throughout the narrative?
  • Learned helplessness can lead a character to make choices based on the belief that their actions will not change their situation, resulting in passivity or avoidance of challenges. This mindset can limit their growth and development, causing them to miss opportunities for change. As the story progresses, the struggle against these feelings can create tension and highlight their journey towards reclaiming agency in their life.
• Discuss the potential effects of learned helplessness on a character's relationships with others in the story.
  • A character experiencing learned helplessness may have difficulty forming meaningful connections, as their feelings of powerlessness can lead to withdrawal or reliance on others for support. This dynamic may create strain in relationships, as friends or loved ones become frustrated with the character's inability to take initiative. The exploration of these relationships can reveal deeper insights into both the character's struggles and the impact on those around them.
• Evaluate how overcoming learned helplessness can serve as a critical turning point for character development within a story.
  • Overcoming learned helplessness represents a significant transformation for a character, often marking a pivotal moment in their arc. This shift allows them to confront past traumas and reclaim control over their life, leading to personal empowerment and resilience. Such moments of realization and growth not only enrich the character's journey but also resonate with audiences, offering hope and inspiration through the themes of perseverance and self-discovery.

Related terms

Self-efficacy: The belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task, which contrasts with feelings of helplessness.

Cognitive Dissonance: The mental discomfort experienced when a person holds two conflicting beliefs, leading to a change in attitudes or behaviors to alleviate this discomfort.

Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, which can be undermined by learned helplessness but also offers a contrasting character trait.