Helplessness Theory

Helplessness Theory suggests that when people experience repeated failures or feel they have no control over stressful situations, they may start to believe their actions won't make a difference. This sense of powerlessness can lead to feelings of depression, lack of motivation, and giving up, even when opportunities for change exist. Essentially, it's the idea that believing you can't influence your circumstances can create a cycle of passivity and emotional distress, making it harder to take positive steps. This understanding helps explain why persistent setbacks can have serious psychological effects.