Final answer:
Learned helplessness is a term used to describe the situation when a lack of self-confidence leads to a belief that one has no control over their circumstances.
Step-by-step explanation:
A lack of self-confidence can lead to a situation called "learned helplessness". This term was coined by psychologist Martin Seligman, who conducted experiments in which dogs were subjected to inescapable electric shocks. After experiencing repeated failures to escape the shocks, the dogs eventually gave up and displayed a sense of helplessness. Similarly, when individuals lack confidence in their abilities and repeatedly face failure, they may develop a belief that they have no control over their circumstances, leading to a state of learned helplessness.