Final answer:
Steven attributing his test performance to not studying due to a ski trip is not an example of learned helplessness. Learned helplessness involves a belief in the futility of one's actions, while Steven's situation was about a choice he made. Learned helplessness is crucial in understanding human psychology, especially related to depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Steven's getting a D on the test is due to his going on a ski trip rather than learned helplessness is False. Learned helplessness occurs when individuals believe they have no control over the outcomes of their actions and therefore do not attempt to change their situation, even when opportunities to do so are present. This is a concept rooted in psychology, primarily associated with the works of psychologist Martin Seligman and his colleagues.
In the provided scenario, Steven attributes his failure not to a sense of helplessness, but to an external event—the ski trip—that he chose over studying. His choice led to the poor test score, not an intrinsic belief that his efforts would have no impact on the outcome. If Steven had studied and still performed poorly, believing that no amount of studying could help him (i.e., a stable, internal, and global attribution), it would better fit the concept of learned helplessness.
Learned helplessness has been tied to depression in humans. If an individual consistently attributes negative outcomes to unchangeable, personal defects, they may experience feelings of helplessness that can contribute to depressive symptoms. This connection reinforces the importance of understanding how attributions shape our perception of control and our psychological well-being.