Review the literature, identify and synthesise relevant information, critically analyse it, and present your conclusions via an Initial Response including specic references to all resources used.

Assignment Brief

Requirements for Assignment 5 (500 words)

PHD psychology

Learned Helplessness

Review the literature, identify and synthesise relevant information, critically analyse it, and present your conclusions via an Initial Response including specic references to all resources used.

There is substantial empirical literature to support the theory of learned helplessness in animals. Learned helplessness is a phenomenon that occurs in humans as well. In this Discussion, you evaluate the role of learned helplessness in explaining psychological disorders and analyse the relationship between theories of learning, goal setting and motivation. In order to prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly resources. your assignment to the following:

1. Evaluate the relationship between learned helplessness and certain psychological disorders in forensic psychology.
2. Consider how theories of learning, goal setting and motivation can have an inuence on learned helplessness.
3. Provide an example to illustrate your ideas. How do these theories each explain motivation?
4. Be sure to support all other reasoning using the Learning Resources and/or your own research.
5. Cite your sources using the APA Referencing Style. 15 references – eurorian recourses

Sample Answer

Learned Helplessness and Psychological Disorders in Forensic Psychology

Learned helplessness (LH) is a psychological condition where individuals, after repeated exposure to uncontrollable negative events, begin to believe they have no control over their circumstances, leading to a passive acceptance of future adversity (Seligman, 1972). Originally studied in animals, the theory has gained wide acceptance in human psychology, particularly in relation to mental health and forensic settings.

Learned Helplessness and Psychological Disorders

In forensic psychology, LH has been linked to several psychological disorders, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Depressed offenders often display cognitive patterns that reflect helplessness, such as hopelessness and low motivation (Abramson, Seligman, & Teasdale, 1978). In prison environments, learned helplessness can develop due to repeated failures in parole hearings, abuse, or systemic injustice, reinforcing passive and withdrawn behaviour (Peterson & Seligman, 1983). Such psychological passivity can make rehabilitation and reintegration harder.

Learning Theories, Motivation and Goal Setting

The behaviourist theory explains that if behaviour is not reinforced or is repeatedly punished regardless of effort, motivation declines (Skinner, 1953). LH fits within this model as individuals stop trying when their actions do not lead to positive outcomes.

Cognitive learning theories, such as Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory, suggest that people learn helpless behaviour through observation and personal failure. If someone sees that others fail despite effort or experiences repeated personal failures, they may internalise the belief that their actions are futile.

Goal-setting theory (Locke & Latham, 1990) states that clear, achievable goals are essential for motivation. In contrast, those affected by LH tend to avoid setting goals or set very low ones due to low self-efficacy (Bandura, 1997), which further reduces motivation and success. This cycle is common in individuals with PTSD and depression, especially in correctional settings.

Example Illustration

Consider a young offender who repeatedly applies for early release but is denied without clear reasons. Over time, he stops attending rehabilitation programmes or engaging with staff, believing that his efforts are pointless. This passive behaviour mirrors learned helplessness and reflects how lack of control and unclear goals reduce motivation.

Bandura’s self-efficacy theory explains this further: if the individual believes they are incapable of changing their situation, they lose the motivation to try. On the other hand, creating small, achievable goals (e.g., attending a course, receiving positive reinforcement) can break the cycle and restore hope and self-belief (Zimmerman, 2000).

Continued...