Final answer:
Learned helplessness is associated with increased cortisol levels and increased blood pressure due to the prolonged activation of the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system's response to stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Learned helplessness, a condition that occurs when an individual believes they have no control over their situation and that whatever they do is futile, is associated with various physiological changes. Specifically, it is likely to be accompanied by increased cortisol levels and increased blood pressure. Cortisol is often referred to as the stress hormone, and its elevated levels are frequently observed in individuals experiencing prolonged or chronic stress, such as in the case of learned helplessness. This chronic stress response can lead to a continual activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, eventually contributing to the persistence of high cortisol levels. Additionally, the sympathetic nervous system's response to stress includes the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which can lead to increased blood pressure as part of the body's fight-or-flight response.