Question

A man’s life has been filled with misfortune and tragic experiences that were unexpected, unavoidable, and unpredictable. He is depressed and tells his therapist that he feels he cannot control the outcome of the events in his life. Which of the following best explains his depression?a. Learned helplessnessb. Repressionc. Operant conditioningd. Classical conditioninge. Biological rhythms

Answer 1

The correct option is: a. Learned helplessness

Step-by-step explanation:

Learned helplessness is a state of mind characterized by a perceived lack of control over the events or situations. A person subjected to repetitive adverse events or situations develops a sense of powerlessness and thus is unwilling to avoid subsequent encounters.

According to this theory, depression and other related mental conditions, can be a result of the perceived or real lack of control over the outcomes of the events or situations.