Dictionary of Psychotherapy

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Dictionary of Psychotherapy

Learned helplessness 

Learned helplessness is a psychological condition in which one has learned to believe that one is helpless in a particular situation, has no control over the situation, and stays passive in the face of an unpleasant, harmful or damaging situation. Depression might result from a perceived absence of control over the outcome of a situation (Seligman, 1975). 

In accordance with the attribution theory (Weiner, 1979) people encountering aversive events try to make causal explanation which includes the dimensions of globalization, stability and internality. Explanatory style refers to an individual’s habitual way of assigning causes to negative events. Particular style, such as pessimistic explanatory style of causal attribution, may lead to the loss of self-esteem, uncontrollability and then generality of helplessness. There are the elements of attribution theory to reformulate the theory of helplessness (Abraham, Seligman and Teasdale, 1978). 

There is a distinction between people who adapt and those who break down, under long term psychological pressure. 

Helplessness is associated with passivity, uncontrollability, and disruption at subsequent problem-solving tasks. 

The psychological counselling helps to reduce stress and stress-related disorders. If you require help and advice Counselling may be provided via Skype and FaceTime in the comfort of your home, office or any place of your choice. 

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 Related Topics 

General Adaptation Syndrome 

Stress 

Daily life can be stressful 

Stress reduction 

Coping with stress  

Stress management 

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