The theory of helplessness refers to the problems that follow in the wake of uncontrollability. The best-known application of learned helplessness has been an explanation of depression, although numerous other extensions have been made, most recently to physical illness and death.



The psychological syndrome of learned helplessness is a uniquely modern phenomenon, and has been applied to a variety of human problems such as inappropriate passivity or demoralization. The best-known application of learned helplessness has been an explanation of depression, although numerous other extensions have been made, most recently to physical illness and death. This timely and valuable work examines learned helplessness with reference to contemporary culture of individuality and personal control.