Question

Shirley, a housewife, has been a victim of domestic violence for approximately nine years and has still not been able to walk out of the relationship. In the context of operant conditioning, which of the following concepts is most likely to aid her therapist understand her situation better?a. learned helplessnessb. spontaneous recoveryc. avoidance learningd. discrimination

Answer 1

Answer: (A) Learned helplessness

Explanation: Learned helplessness concept is most likely to aid Shirley's therapist understand her situation better.

Learned helplessness theory was conceptualized and developed by an American psychologist, Martin E.P. Seligman in the 1960s.

Learned helplessness refers to the mental state in which an individual or organism forced to withstand stimuli that are unpleasant or painful, becomes adamant or unwilling to deter subsequent engagement with those stimuli, even if they can escape from it. Probably because they think or learned that the situation can't be controlled.