Which psychologist warned that individuals with a history of success are at risk for learned helplessness after a failure?

Which psychologist warned that individuals with a history of success are at risk for learned helplessness after a failure?

• A. Alfred Binet
• B. Howard Gardner
• C. Carol Dweck
• D. Francis Galton

Answer: (C)

The correct choice highlights Carol Dweck's work, which focuses on the concept of mindset and the implications of success and failure on an individual's beliefs about their abilities. Dweck distinguished between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Those with a fixed mindset may see their abilities as static and may feel helpless in the face of failure, leading to a state of learned helplessness—where individuals believe their efforts are futile due to past success followed by an unexpected failure. This concept is essential for understanding how perceptions of intelligence and ability can shape one’s response to setbacks, particularly for individuals who have historically experienced success. Dweck's research emphasizes that individuals who are taught to associate their self-worth with success may struggle significantly after encountering failure. Her findings illustrate how resilience and the ability to overcome challenges can be influenced by one's mindset. Therefore, her contributions are critical in explaining the psychology of learned helplessness in high achievers following a failure.

The correct choice highlights Carol Dweck's work, which focuses on the concept of mindset and the implications of success and failure on an individual's beliefs about their abilities. Dweck distinguished between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Those with a fixed mindset may see their abilities as static and may feel helpless in the face of failure, leading to a state of learned helplessness—where individuals believe their efforts are futile due to past success followed by an unexpected failure. This concept is essential for understanding how perceptions of intelligence and ability can shape one’s response to setbacks, particularly for individuals who have historically experienced success.

Dweck's research emphasizes that individuals who are taught to associate their self-worth with success may struggle significantly after encountering failure. Her findings illustrate how resilience and the ability to overcome challenges can be influenced by one's mindset. Therefore, her contributions are critical in explaining the psychology of learned helplessness in high achievers following a failure.