What are the common emotional outcomes associated with learned helplessness?

Learned helplessness is a psychological condition that develops when individuals perceive that they have no control over the outcomes of their lives, often due to repeated exposure to stressful situations where they feel powerless. As a result of this perception, common emotional outcomes associated with learned helplessness include feelings of depression and low achievement.

Individuals exhibiting learned helplessness may experience a significant decrease in motivation, often believing that their efforts will not lead to change or improvement. This can lead to a pervasive sense of worthlessness and helplessness, contributing to low self-esteem. Additionally, as these individuals disengage from tasks and challenges, their performance may decline, resulting in low achievement in academic or personal endeavors.

The emotional state linked with learned helplessness contrasts sharply with other outcomes such as high self-esteem, optimism, resilience, or adaptability, all of which involve a sense of agency and control over one's circumstances. In essence, the emotional ramifications of learned helplessness paint a bleak picture where individuals feel trapped rather than empowered.