A theory by the famous Martin Seligman about how to turn
learned helplessness around. Notice the steps in this model follow the first 5 letters of the alphabet.
Adversity: recognize when adversity strikes. damn, i failed out of college.
Beliefs: be aware of what you believe about the adversity. i am an idiot, this is the proof that everyone has been looking for.
Consequences: what consequences flow from your beliefs? i might as well settle for a life with less ambitious goals. making popcorn at the drive-in was fine last summer so it will be fine for the rest of my life.
Disputation:
Is there any hard evidence backing this belief? Are there alternate explanations for what happened What are the implications of the beliefs, and are they worth holding on to? How useful are these beliefs anyway, do they benefit me or anyone else? wait, half the class failed that one course, and that other teacher hated me because i refused to be a school-robot!
Energization: be aware of a set of new consequences that could stem from following different beliefs. summer school isn't that bad.