Learned Helplessness and Attribution Theory: Redefining Children's Learning Problems

Abstract

This article explores attribution theory and the concept of learned helplessness in teaching learning disabled individuals. Giving up after failure is characteristic of the learned-helplessness syndrome. This overreaction to failure may be related to individuals’ perceptions that personal outcomes are independent of the response. Suggestions are given for areas of future research with learning disabled populations. The discussion includes current teaching techniques which may be related to the self-regulatory behaviors and perception of personal control over one's life. © 1981, Council for Learning Disabilities. All rights reserved.