Which cognitive event, often attributed to the work of Martin Seligman, is hypothesized as contributing to the development and maintenance of major depression?

A) self-efficacy
B) learned helplessness
C) reciprocal determinism
D) all-or-none thinking

Learned Helplessness

The tendency to fail to act to escape from a situation because of a history of repeated failures in the past.

Martin Seligman

A psychologist known for his work on the theory of learned helplessness, positive psychology, and for his research on factors that contribute to wellbeing.

Major Depression

A mental disorder characterized by a persistent and severe low mood accompanied by low self-esteem and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities.