learned helplessness
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learned help·less·ness
(lĕrnd help'les-nes),A laboratory model of depression involving both classical (respondent) and instrumental (operant) conditioning techniques; application of unavoidable shock is followed by failure to cope in situations in which coping might otherwise be possible.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
Geriatrics A state of over-dependency discordant with the degree of physical and mental disability seen in nursing home patients
Psychiatry A state in which a person attempts to maintain a relationship with another by adopting a helpless, powerless stance
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
learned helplessness
Geriatric medicine A state of overdependency discordant with the degree of physical and mental disability seen in nursing home Pts Psychiatry A condition in which a person attempts to establish and maintain contact with another by adopting a helpless, powerless stance.McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
learn·ed help·less·ness
(lĕrnd help'lĕs-nĕs)A laboratory model of depression involving both classical (respondent) and instrumental (operant) conditioning techniques; application of unavoidable shock is followed by failure to cope in situations where coping might otherwise be possible.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
learned helplessness
A state of deep passivity with lack of motivation, cognitive deficit and depression, liable to affect patients trapped in aversive situations such as prolonged inpatient stay or inadequate institutional care. The condition is remediable.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005