A Teacher’s Perspective on Understanding and Overcoming Learned Helplessness

What is Learned Helplessness?

Learned helplessness is a psychological concept that was initially formulated by psychologist Martin Seligman through his experiments in the 1960s. It refers to a state of passive resignation or inaction that occurs when individuals believe that they have no control over their situation, even when opportunities for change or escape are present.

The theory of learned helplessness suggests that when people experience repeated negative events or perceive a lack of control over their outcomes, they may develop a sense of helplessness. They learn to believe that their actions are futile and that they are unable to influence or change their circumstances, even when it is possible to do so. As a result, they may give up trying to improve their situation, leading to a state of learned helplessness.

This concept has been studied in various contexts, including animal experiments and human behaviour. For example, in Seligman’s experiments with dogs, he subjected them to electric shocks that they could not escape. Eventually, the dogs stopped trying to avoid the shocks, even when opportunities to do so became available. This behaviour was attributed to the dogs’ learned helplessness.

Learned helplessness can have significant implications for mental health and personal development. Individuals who develop a strong sense of learned helplessness may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and a diminished sense of motivation and agency. However, it is important to note that learned helplessness is not a permanent condition, and with appropriate interventions and support, individuals can regain a sense of control and overcome this state.

Considering the current parenting and teaching trends related to identity and inclusivity, how might we be teaching our children to be helpless?

In the current parenting and teaching trends related to identity and inclusivity, the focus is primarily on empowering children and promoting self-esteem and self-expression. These trends aim to create an inclusive and accepting environment where children feel safe to explore their identities and express themselves authentically. The intention is not to teach helplessness but rather to foster a sense of belonging and respect for diversity.

However, it is essential to strike a balance between promoting autonomy and ensuring children develop the necessary skills to navigate challenges and become independent individuals. Here are a few potential ways in which teaching methods related to identity and inclusivity might inadvertently contribute to a sense of helplessness if taken to extremes:

1. Overprotection: Sometimes, in an attempt to create a safe space, children may be shielded from difficulties and challenges. While it’s important to protect children from harm, an overprotective approach can limit their opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
2. Overemphasis on external validation: Teaching children to embrace their identities and express themselves can inadvertently foster a reliance on external validation. If children are solely focused on seeking approval and affirmation from others, they may become dependent on external sources for their self-worth, potentially leading to a sense of helplessness when those sources are not readily available.
3. Avoiding discomfort and failure: Encouraging inclusivity and identity exploration should not mean shielding children from all forms of discomfort or failure. Facing challenges and experiencing setbacks are important aspects of personal growth and resilience-building. If children are constantly sheltered from discomfort, they may struggle to develop coping skills and problem-solving abilities, leading to a sense of helplessness when faced with adversity.
4. Absence of boundaries and structure: While promoting inclusivity and individual expression, it is important to establish clear boundaries and provide structure for children. Without appropriate boundaries, children may struggle to develop self-discipline, accountability, and a sense of responsibility, potentially leading to a lack of direction and helplessness.

To avoid inadvertently teaching helplessness, it is crucial to strike a balance between fostering inclusivity, identity exploration, and independence, while also instilling essential life skills and values such as resilience, self-reliance, and accountability. Creating an environment that supports personal growth, while also encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions, can empower them to navigate the complexities of life with confidence.

How can we foster resilience in this current paradigm?

Fostering resilience in children within the current paradigm involves providing them with the necessary tools and support to navigate challenges and bounce back from setbacks. Here are some strategies to promote resilience:

1. Encourage a growth mindset: Teach children that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and perseverance. Encourage them to embrace challenges, view failure as an opportunity for learning, and understand that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.
2. Promote problem-solving skills: Help children develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think critically, explore different solutions, and make decisions independently. Allow them to face age-appropriate challenges and guide them through the process of finding solutions rather than providing all the answers.
3. Foster emotional intelligence: Help children understand and regulate their emotions. Encourage open communication, active listening, and empathy towards others. Teach them how to express their feelings in a healthy manner and provide them with strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
4. Build a support network: Encourage children to build positive relationships with peers, family members, and mentors. A strong support network can provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement during difficult times.
5. Encourage autonomy and independence: Allow children to take on age-appropriate responsibilities and make decisions for themselves. Encouraging independence helps them develop a sense of agency, self-confidence, and the ability to take initiative.
6. Cultivate self-care practices: Teach children the importance of self-care, including healthy habits such as proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and relaxation techniques. Encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy and provide opportunities for self-reflection and mindfulness.
7. Foster a growth-oriented learning environment: Create a learning environment that focuses on effort, progress, and individual growth rather than solely on outcomes or comparisons to others. Celebrate achievements and encourage children to set realistic goals, break them down into smaller steps, and track their progress.
8. Model resilience: Be a positive role model by demonstrating resilience in your own life. Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges and setbacks, and highlight the strategies and coping mechanisms you employed. Your actions and attitude can have a significant impact on how children perceive and respond to adversity.

By implementing these strategies, parents and educators can help children develop the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of life, adapt to change, and thrive in the face of challenges.

I welcome your questions, comments, and perspectives on this subject. I would love to explode a conversation on this subject and build a more complete set of tools to help teach hers and parents.