Helplessness, Learned

Learned expectation that one's responses are independent of reward and, hence, do not predict or control the occurrence of rewards. Learned helplessness derives from a history, experimentally induced or naturally occurring, of having received punishment/aversive stimulation regardless of responses made. Such circumstances result in an impaired ability to learn. Used for human or animal populations. (APA, Thesaurus of Psychological Index Terms, 1994)

Year introduced: 1983

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Tree Number(s): F01.393.398, F02.463.425.420

MeSH Unique ID: D006380

Entry Terms:

• Learned Helplessness

All MeSH Categories
Psychiatry and Psychology Category
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms
Defense Mechanisms
Helplessness, Learned

All MeSH Categories
Psychiatry and Psychology Category
Psychological Phenomena
Mental Processes
Learning
Helplessness, Learned