A young adult experiencing learned helplessness and hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with challenges.
The terms “learned helplessness” and “learned hopelessness” are often used in discussions about mental health and personal development, particularly when observing young adults. While sometimes used interchangeably, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two concepts. In my work with young adults at learns.edu.vn, I’ve observed these distinctions and how understanding them is crucial for effective intervention and support. While researching for resources on this topic, I noticed that “learned hopelessness” isn’t as widely recognized or defined as “learned helplessness.” However, distinguishing between them offers valuable insight into different attitudes and responses to adversity.
Learned helplessness, a well-established psychological concept, describes a state where an individual, after experiencing repeated negative or uncontrollable situations, comes to believe that their actions have no effect on their environment. This belief leads to a cessation of effort, even when opportunities for positive change or escape become available. Young adults experiencing learned helplessness often exhibit an “I can’t do it” attitude. This stems from past experiences where their efforts to meet expectations or overcome challenges have consistently fallen short. Consequently, they internalize a sense of inadequacy and believe they lack the ability to succeed, leading them to stop trying altogether. Accommodations or lowered expectations, sometimes provided to young adults struggling with perceived mental health challenges, can inadvertently reinforce learned helplessness. When individuals are not held accountable or are consistently given “easy ways out,” they may become comfortable with lowered standards and perceive their inabilities as a shield from responsibility. This pattern can be consciously or unconsciously adopted as a coping mechanism, further entrenching the belief in their helplessness.
Learned hopelessness, while related, carries a slightly different nuance. It embodies more of an “It doesn’t matter anyway, why bother” attitude. This perspective arises from a deeper sense of disillusionment and a belief that desired outcomes are consistently unattainable, regardless of personal effort or external circumstances. Learned hopelessness often manifests in statements like “I’m done with this” or “Why bother?” Individuals experiencing learned hopelessness frequently feel misunderstood and believe that their needs and desires are consistently overlooked or ignored. This can stem from a history of feeling like a victim of circumstance or perceiving bias against them. Past disappointments heavily contribute to this mindset, leading to a preemptive withdrawal of enthusiasm and anticipation for future events, as they anticipate inevitable letdown. Sometimes, this can originate from shifts in attention during formative years, where an individual who was once the center of attention experiences a change, such as a family crisis or the arrival of a sibling, leading to feelings of being overlooked and fostering a sense of hopelessness about their ability to influence their environment positively.
Both learned helplessness and learned hopelessness are significant barriers to personal growth and can severely impede a young adult’s capacity to thrive. At learns.edu.vn, our approach to overcoming these obstacles involves encouraging young adults to step outside their comfort zones and challenge their limiting beliefs. We focus on quieting self-critical internal voices and building confidence through achievable steps and positive reinforcement. Helping them build resilience and tolerance for setbacks is crucial, fostering the understanding that falling short is a part of growth, and it doesn’t diminish their inherent worth. Our aim is to guide young adults in discovering their true potential, fostering self-belief and self-trust, and realizing their inherent worthiness. Ultimately, we strive to help them look towards the future with hope and optimism, transforming their perspectives from helplessness and hopelessness to one filled with endless possibilities for learning and growth.
