What does the theory of learned helplessness suggest?

The theory of learned helplessness suggests that when individuals are exposed to uncontrollable and adverse situations, they eventually come to believe that they cannot change or escape from their environment, leading to feelings of helplessness. This state can significantly contribute to the development of major depressive disorder, as individuals may start to feel powerless and stop trying to change their circumstances, believing that their efforts will not make any difference.

This concept was developed through research by psychologists such as Martin Seligman, who demonstrated that animals subjected to unavoidable stressors exhibited reduced motivation and learned to become passive, which parallels how humans may respond to similar uncontrollable environments. Thus, the theory underscores the psychological impact of perceived lack of control, which is a key component in understanding the onset of depression in many individuals.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects that do not fully capture the essence of learned helplessness. The first choice implies a level of empowerment that contradicts the findings of the theory. The second option points to internal factors as the main cause of depression, which does not account for the role of external, uncontrollable circumstances. The last choice attributes depression solely to genetic factors, disregarding the significant influence of situational variables and learned experiences.