Overmier and Seligman have described the phenomenon of learned _________ as the tendency to feel powerless in the face of events that we can't control. They have also argued that it provides an explanation for many cases of major depressive disorder.

Overmier and Seligman have described the phenomenon of learned helplessness as the tendency to feel powerless in the face of events that we can't control.

In 1967, Overmier and Seligman conducted a research, which showed that dogs, once found in an uncontrollable situation such as unavoidable electric shocks, were incapable of escaping a different situation, although there was a possible escape in that situation. The phenomenon of learned helplessness is also commonly experienced by humans who, after repeatedly going through a stressful situation, believe they do not have control over the events. They fail to take any action, even if there is a possible solution.