What is the concept of "learned helplessness"?

"Learned helplessness" is a psychological condition observed when individuals come to believe that they have no control over the outcomes of situations, leading to a sense of powerlessness. This concept often arises from experiences where individuals encounter repeated negative events or failures, regardless of their efforts. Over time, they begin to feel that their actions do not influence outcomes, resulting in a passive resignation to their circumstances.

This belief can lead to detrimental effects on motivation and behavior, as individuals may stop trying to change their situation, even when opportunities for success exist. The underlying principle is that past experiences shape one's expectations about future outcomes, hence reinforcing the feeling of helplessness.

The other options do not correctly capture the essence of learned helplessness. Confidence in control, ignoring reinforcement, and the idea that reinforcement is always effective do not align with the theory, which fundamentally revolves around the perception of uncontrollability.