“Pessimistic labels lead to passivity, while optimistic labels lead to attempts at change.” Seligman introduced the concept of “learned helplessness” in 1968. Seligman, Steve Maier and Bruce Overmier studied dogs. They discovered that dogs who received painful electric shocks were unable to change their actions and eventually stopped trying. Although the dogs could have easily escaped, they passively accepted the shocks. But it was later discovered that not all dogs become helpless. One in three people never gave up, no matter what researchers did, which means only two of them experienced learned helplessness when faced with a situation they couldn't believe. had no control. The difference between the one in three who did not experience learned helplessness and the two in three who did was what we call explanatory style. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayExplanatory style is the way a person explains events that happen to them. It is a habit of thought learned in childhood/adolescence. Seligman (1990) says that “your explanatory style flows directly from how you view your place in the world – whether you think you are valuable and deserving or worthless and powerless.” There are 3 dimensions in your explanatory style: Permanence (it's a question of time): temporary vs permanent, omnipresence (concerns space); specific vs. universal, personalization; internal vs. external. By identifying your explanatory style, you can see whether it is more pessimistic or optimistic. The ABCDE model adapted by Martin Seligman from Albert Ellis' ABC model helps change a person's explanatory style from pessimism to optimism. Adversity => Belief => Consequences => Argument => Energization People, however, tend to blame “A” for “C”. it’s actually “B” that makes us feel what we feel. Once they see this, they challenge their perception and challenging their beliefs can help them see a situation in a new light and change how they feel. After the interview with each participant, the ABCDE model was discussed with each of them and they were taught how to use it in their daily lives. It took them a little time to become familiar with the model, but they were eventually able to learn to quickly relate the model to difficult situations in their lives. The idea is that your thoughts can generate your feelings. So, if you take active control of your thoughts, you in turn take active control of your emotions. Below is an example of the ABCDE template completed by one of the participants. Adversity: “I took an exam and failed to meet the criteria. -outside the examination”. Belief – “I became lazy, undisciplined and so unfocused. I am not serious about future and career. I was a very hardworking student, but after coming to Delhi, all my qualities deteriorated. I can’t even compete and maybe I’m not capable enough to pass such exams.” Aftermath – “I felt depressed. Unmotivated and felt like I couldn't do anything in life. If I can't even pass such a simple exam. I started comparing and underestimating myself, my abilities and my capabilities. » Argument – ​​“I told myself that I had been good in the past, so I can be better in the future. Maybe God had something better planned for me, that's why I couldn't take the exam. It's like an opportunity to.”.