“Pessimistic labels lead to passivity, while optimistic ones lead to attempts at change”. Seligman conceived the concept of “learned helplessness” in 1968. Seligman along with Steve Maier and Bruce Overmier were studying dogs. They find that dogs who received painful electric shocks failed to change their actions and, eventually, stopped trying. Even though the dogs could have easily escaped, they passively accepted the shock. But it was later discovered that not all dogs became helpless. One in three never gave up, no matter what the researchers did, meaning that only two of them experienced learned helplessness when faced with a situation over which they had no control. The difference between the one in three who did not experience learned helplessness and the two in three who did turned out to be something called explanatory style. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Explanatory style is the way a person explains the events that happen to him. It is a thought habit learned in childhood/adolescence. Seligman (1990) states that “your explanatory style derives directly from how you view your place in the world, whether you think you are valuable and worthy or worthless and helpless.” There are 3 dimensions to your explanatory style: Permanence (about time): temporary vs permanent, Pervasiveness (about space); specific vs universal, Customization; 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 => Dispute => Energization, however, people tend to blame “A” for “C”. it's actually the "B" that makes us feel the way we feel. Once they see it, they question their perception, and questioning their beliefs can help them see a situation in a new light and change how they feel. After the interview held 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 some time to become familiar with the model, but eventually they were able to learn to quickly relate the model to adverse 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 are taking active control of your emotions. Below is an example of the ABCDE template filled out by one of the participants. Adversity - “I took an exam and I couldn't pass the limit -out of the exam”. Belief - “I became lazy, undisciplined and very unfocused. I don't take my future and career seriously. 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 take such exams." Consequences - “I felt depressed. Demotivated and felt like I couldn't do anything in life. If I can't even pass such an easy exam. I started comparing myself and underestimating myself, my skills and abilities.” Dispute - “I told myself that I was good in the past, so I can be better in the future. Maybe God planned something better for me, that's why I couldn't pass the exam. It's like an opportunity to showcase my talent and prove myself once again." Please note: this is just an example. Get an instant”.