What term describes the phenomenon where repeated exposure to uncontrollable events leads to passive behavior and a sense of powerlessness?

• A. Learned Helplessness
• B. Biofeedback
• C. Modeling
• D. Observational Learning

Answer: (A)

Learned helplessness occurs when repeated exposure to events you can’t control leads you to become passive and to believe your actions won’t affect outcomes. In classic studies, animals subjected to unavoidable shocks later stopped trying to escape even when it was now possible, showing a shift in motivation and expectation. In people, this can show up as reduced effort, resignation, and attributions that failures are due to unchangeable, global factors. This idea differs from biofeedback, which is about regulating physiological responses, and from modeling or observational learning, which involve learning by watching others. Understanding learned helplessness helps explain why repeated setbacks can drain motivation, and how regaining a sense of control or reframing causes of outcomes can restore persistence.