A Correlational Investigation of the Relationship between Learned Helplessness, Self-efficacy, and Depression

Description

Page: 528-530

Neeraj Agarwal, Bhaswati Das, and Saloni` (Emoneeds, RNR Emotional Well-Being Technologies LLP, Gurugram, Haryana)

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between learned helplessness, self-efficacy, and depression. A correlational study was employed with 37 participants diagnosed with depression, belonging to 2 and 3-tier cities of India. Participants were selected using purposive sampling from individuals receiving treatment at Emoneeds, Gurgaon. The results indicated a significant positive correlation between learned helplessness and depression severity (r = .494, p = .002). Additionally, self-efficacy was negatively correlated with depression severity (r = -.335, p = .043), suggesting that higher self-efficacy is linked to lower depressive symptoms. The findings of this study highlight the crucial role of self-efficacy and learned helplessness in the context of depression. The study suggests that individuals with higher levels of learned helplessness experience more severe depressive symptoms. In contrast, individuals with a lower level of learned helplessness experience a lower level of depression. Individuals with higher self-efficacy are more resilient and less likely to experience depressive symptoms. Low self-efficacy, on the other hand, can contribute to increased severity of depression. These results emphasize the need for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy to mitigate depression and reduce feelings of helplessness.