Final answer:
Jeff is exhibiting learned helplessness, where repeated failure leads him to stop making efforts to succeed in his American Literature class.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavior Jeff is exhibiting can be described as learned helplessness. It is a phenomenon where an individual feels helpless and stops making effort in a situation where they have experienced repeated failure, even though they could potentially succeed. In this case, Jeff has studied hard for his American Literature class but continues to fail, leading him to conclude that studying is futile. This is a form of self-defeating behavior.
Jeff's situation is similar to the concept of learned helplessness studied in psychology. It suggests that previous experiences of failure can demotivate individuals and lead them to give up on trying to improve their performance, even when their effort could lead to success. It is important for Jeff to recognize that success is not solely determined by one's studying efforts. Identifying and addressing any underlying issues or seeking additional academic support can be beneficial in improving his performance in the American Literature class.