We Are Not Helpless

The Theory of Learned Helplessness:

When people give up trying to change their situation…

Even when making the change is possible.

Psychologist Martin Seligman’s theory, learned helplessness, discovered half a century ago, while he was working at the University of Pennsylvania, seeks to explain why individuals may accept and remain passive in negative situations despite their clear ability to change them.

Seligman’s theory describes how uncontrollable traumatic events can produce passivity, inability to learn, and stress. (Positive Psychology Center.)

The research began with conditioning dogs but a different example is that of elephants who are shackled when they’re young. The following is an excerpt from my novel, Paper Bags:

The animal trainers start with the baby elephants by tying their feet with ropes. The young animals resist and pull but over time give up because they’re not strong enough to get free. When they become adults and could easily break the ropes, they don’t even try, they just accept their fate. Even when the circus tent catches fire, the elephants don’t try to save themselves; they believe they’re still tied to the posts.

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, WE DID NOT GIVE UP, we stood up, rose up all over this country, we said, “Hands Off.” We are not helpless!

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, my dead stick plant bloomed. As if on cue, a sign of life, a sign of hope, a sign of courage.

Thank you for subscribing to Get Gutsy. I am grateful for your support. Let me know in the COMMENTS the signs of hope you’re beginning to see.

Get Gutsy together,

Trish

Link for my novel, Paper Bags, https://woodhallpress.com/paper-bags