Learned Helplessness: A Theory for the Age of Personal Control
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Book Overview
When experience with uncontrollable events gives rise to the expectation that events in the future will also elude control, disruptions in motivation, emotion, and learning may ensue. "Learned helplessness" refers to the problems that arise in the wake of uncontrollability. First described in the 1960s among laboratory animals, learned helplessness has since been applied to a variety of human problems entailing inappropriate passivity and demoralization. While learned helplessness is best known as an explanation of depression, studies with both people and animals have mapped out the cognitive and biological aspects. The present volume, written by some of the most widely recognized leaders in the field, summarizes and integrates the theory, research, and application of learned helplessness. Each line of work is evaluated critically in terms of what is and is not known, and future directions are sketched. More generally, psychiatrists and psychologists in various specialties will be interested in the book's argument that a theory emphasizing personal control is of particular interest in the here and now, as individuality and control are such salient cultural topics.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0195044673
ISBN13:9780195044676
Release Date:October 1995
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Length:376 Pages
Weight:1.27 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"
Related Subjects
Behavioral Psychology Behavioral Sciences Education Education & Reference Education Theory Educational Psychology Emotions Epistemology Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting Mental Health Personality Philosophy Politics & Social Sciences Psychology Psychology & Counseling Social Sciences TextbooksCustomer Reviews
2 ratings
If you feel like a rat in a cage - READ THIS!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
My Psychologist suggested I read this book. I was going through a divorce that was not by my choice and feeling trapped, manipulated and depressed. Honestly, I didn't finish reading the whole book. It was too technical for me to stay interested through the last chapters. The several chapters I did read convinced me that I was not trapped by my circumstances and unlike the tested subjects, I was not helpless. It revolutionized my attitide and helped turn my depression around. I have subsequently, bought two other books by the author, "Authentic Happiness" and "Learned Optimism" and give them two enthusiastic thumbs up! Life changing!
A fascinating read for students of psychology
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I enjoyed this book but I have to admit to a prejudice. I am a huge fan of Seligman's books and grab everything I can get my hands on. This book is well argued and provides compelling evidence of the phenomenom of 'Learned Helpnessness' which can lead to depression, low motivation and poor workplace performance. The book discusses and interprets experimental research in the area of learned helplessness and translates this into the effects that it has on individual performance, health and social interaction. The book looks at locus of control and self-efficacy and how our feelings that events are occurring outside our control leave us feeling powerless. It's a great book for anyone making a study of psychology but I wouldn't recommend it for the casual self-help reader. The detail involved is probably excessive unless you are keen on reading all the background and understanding why and how learned helplessness occurs and how to manage or mitigate it.
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