Learned helplessness

/lɜːnd ˈhɛlp.ləs.nəs/ noun

Definition

A condition in which an organism exposed to uncontrollable negative events learns to believe it cannot change its situation and stops trying.

Etymology

From Old English 'leornian' (to learn) + 'helpless.' Concept demonstrated by Martin Seligman and Steven Maier in 1967.

Kelly Says

Learned helplessness is when you've failed so many times you just give up — but the good news is, you can UNLEARN it too!

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