What does the concept of learned helplessness involve?

The concept of learned helplessness is primarily related to a perceived lack of control over the outcomes of events, which leads to passivity and a lack of motivation. This psychological condition typically arises when an individual experiences repeated failures or negative outcomes despite their efforts, leading them to feel that their actions are futile. In situations of learned helplessness, individuals come to believe that they cannot influence the results of their actions, which can significantly affect their motivation and behavior in future situations.

This connects to the broader psychological phenomenon where individuals may give up trying to change their circumstances or improve their outcomes based on past experiences of powerlessness. Combining these ideas, learned helplessness demonstrates how important the perception of control is for maintaining motivation and engagement with tasks and challenges.