What is a significant outcome of learned helplessness?

Learned helplessness is a psychological state that occurs when an individual perceives that they have no control over the outcomes of their situation, often leading to feelings of powerlessness and resignation. This phenomenon arises from repeated experiences of failure or lack of success despite efforts, which can result in an individual giving up trying.

Among the significant outcomes of learned helplessness is the tendency to become dependent on others for success. When individuals believe that their actions do not impact their circumstances, they may rely heavily on external sources—such as caregivers, peers, or authority figures—hoping that these people can facilitate outcomes they feel incapable of achieving on their own. This reliance fosters a pattern where the person may avoid taking responsibility for their own success and instead look to others for guidance or support, further entrenching the cycle of helplessness.

In contrast, increased effort to succeed, continued exploration of alternatives, and a heightened sense of control are typically associated with motivation and self-efficacy. However, learned helplessness directly leads to a detrimental lack of agency and initiative, making dependence on others a key outcome of this condition.