Which psychological concept relates to failure to try due to past experiences of uncontrollable outcomes?

The concept of learned helplessness directly pertains to situations in which individuals feel powerless to control the outcomes of their actions, particularly after experiencing repeated failures. This phenomenon was first identified by psychologists Martin Seligman and Steven Maier through experiments with dogs, which showed that when they were placed in situations where they could not escape electric shocks, they later failed to escape even when escape was possible.

In the context of your question, learned helplessness is characterized by a sense of futility and a reluctance to try new behaviors due to the belief that one's actions will not influence outcomes, stemming from prior experiences of uncontrollable situations. As a result, individuals may avoid taking action because they anticipate failure based on past encounters, which reinforces a cycle of inaction.

Understanding learned helplessness highlights the impact of prior experiences on motivation and behavior, thereby influencing how individuals approach challenges and the likelihood of initiating new efforts in the face of adversity. This concept is significant in various fields, including psychology, education, and behavioral therapy, as it informs intervention strategies that aim to empower individuals to regain a sense of control and agency in their lives.