Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which term describes the belief that one cannot control a situation, often leading to stress-related disorders?

1. Stress overload

2. Learned helplessness

3. Chronic anxiety

4. Emotional dysregulation

The correct answer is: Learned helplessness

The term that describes the belief that one cannot control a situation, often leading to stress-related disorders, is learned helplessness. This psychological condition occurs when an individual repeatedly faces negative outcomes, which leads them to develop a belief that they have no control over their circumstances. As a result, they may become passive in the face of challenges, even when opportunities for change exist. This learned response can contribute significantly to various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorders, as it creates a sense of hopelessness about effectively dealing with stressors in life. In contrast, stress overload refers more broadly to being overwhelmed by stress without the implication of perceived lack of control. Chronic anxiety involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life but doesn’t necessarily stem from a belief in helplessness. Emotional dysregulation involves difficulty in managing emotional responses effectively, which can lead to heightened emotional responses but does not directly capture the essence of feeling powerless over a situation.