Learned Helplessness

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

a passive resignation to aversive events that are inescapable or unavoidable (giving up in the face of negative events)

Question 2

When/how does it happen?

Answer 2

-if exposed to repeated bad events that we can’t escape/avoid, we learn to do nothing (stand helplessly and suffer)
-ex: physical abuse, domestic violence-could be unavoidable if finances were an issue, presence of kids, etc.

Question 3

Experiment (overmeier & seligman)

Answer 3

-pre-test: exp. group=dogs schocked electrically and unaible to escape due to harness. control group=no electrical shock and no harness
-test: all dogs are put in “shuttle box”, half of the floor shocks and half doesn’t. exp. group gets shocked and does not move out of the electrical zone. control group immediately go to the other side to avoid shocks.

Question 4

Side effects of learned elplessness in humans

Answer 4

-withdrawn, depressed, inactive