LEARNED HELPLESSNESS
Dr. Jc Doornick
Health, Lifestyle & Success Coach - SpiritualTeacher- Podcast Host - Author - Public Speaker - Humanitarian - Doctor - Kind Human
Learned Helplessness - How do we Reclaim Control in an out of Control World In the realm of psychology, the concept of learned helplessness has long intrigued researchers, starting with the groundbreaking work of Seligman and Maier in 1967. Their study involving dogs subjected to electric shocks revealed a phenomenon that has profound implications for both human and animal behavior. In this article, we'll explore the origins of learned helplessness, its manifestation in modern human lives, and, most importantly, how we can break free from its grip.
The Origin - Seligman and Maier's Shocking Experiment. Seligman and Maier's research involved subjecting dogs to two different environments: one where they could control the shocks and another where the shocks were uncontrollable. Surprisingly, they discovered that dogs in the controlled shock environment learned to escape the shocks when given the chance, while those in the uncontrollable shock environment passively accepted their fate. This groundbreaking experiment marked the inception of the concept of learned helplessness.
Humans and the Modern Elephant on a Chain Fast forward to today, and it's clear that learned helplessness is not limited to dogs getting shocked. In our increasingly stressful world, many humans find themselves metaphorically tethered to a heavy chain, unable to escape the constant stressors they face. Just as the dogs in the study submitted to their uncontrollable shocks, humans often embrace and accept their helpless situations.
The modern world bombards us with stressors like financial pressure, work demands, and societal expectations. Over time, these stressors can erode our belief in our ability to effect change and leave us feeling trapped in our circumstances. But just as the dogs could regain control when given the chance, so too can humans reclaim dominance in their lives.
Strategies to Overcome Learned Helplessness
1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: The first step in breaking free from learned helplessness is to adopt a growth mindset. This perspective encourages you to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Embrace the belief that your abilities and intelligence are not fixed but can be developed through effort and perseverance. Might take a shift in perspective by inserting a pause to reassess.
2. Set Achievable Goals: Break down your larger life goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Achieving these mini-goals can boost your confidence and sense of control. As you experience success in these smaller areas, you'll become more inclined to tackle larger challenges. Create perceived control by chunking the big goal down.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Avoid self-blame and self-criticism. Be kind to yourself, especially during difficult times. Self-compassion can help you maintain a healthier perspective and prevent you from slipping into a state of learned helplessness.
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4. Seek Support and Connection: Don't face life's challenges in isolation. Reach out to friends, family, join a community or seek out a therapist for support. Sharing your experiences and feelings can provide valuable insights and emotional relief. We will have an interactive zoom where individuals share and support one another as well as the new community.
5. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Engage in mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques to manage stress. These methods can help you regain control over your emotional responses and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Learned helplessness is a psychological concept that has far-reaching implications for our lives. It's a chain that can shackle us to our circumstances, preventing us from realizing our full potential. However, just like the circus elephant that’s been led to believe it is a prisoner held captive by a measly chain around its ankle, it’s a perception more than anything. Once that elephant grabs a new perspective it can gain the clarity to simply flick its foot and snaps the chain of its learned helplessness like a toothpick.
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