Learned helplessness can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Learned helplessness is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when individuals believe they have no control over the outcomes of their efforts, often resulting from repeated exposure to uncontrollable situations. This mindset can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, primarily characterized by a sense of powerlessness.

The outcome of an inability to escape from challenging situations is directly aligned with the concept of learned helplessness. When individuals repeatedly experience failure or perceive that their actions have no impact, they may become resigned to their circumstances. This resignation can manifest as a lack of initiative to change their situation, leading to a sense of helplessness in the face of challenges.

In contrast, increased motivation, greater resilience, and enhanced social skills suggest a proactive and positive response to adversity, which are not characteristics of learned helplessness. Instead, individuals experiencing learned helplessness often withdraw or avoid taking risks, further entrenching their feelings of helplessness. Thus, the correct outcome reflects the core characteristics of learned helplessness, emphasizing the resulting inability to engage effectively with and overcome challenging situations.