How does Seligman’s concept of learned helplessness and learned optimism relate to the concept of health locus of control?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Seligman’s concept of learned helplessness suggests a perception of a lack of control over one’s environment, whereas learned optimism implies a sense of control over the environment. Learned helplessness, therefore, is related to an external health locus of control and learned optimism is related to an internal health locus of control. An external health locus of control suggests that someone does not believe that any efforts that s/he makes will result in them becoming healthier. Consequently, someone with an external health locus of control will be less likely to eat right, exercise, quit smoking and go for routine screening examinations such as physicals or pap smears. Someone with an internal health locus of control is more likely to make an effort to remain (or get) healthy. They are more likely to exercise, quit smoking (or not smoke at all), eat right, and go for regular medical examinations in an effort to avoid obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.

According to research, people with a pessimistic explanatory style tend to have an external health locus of control and tend to report more physical complaints than those with an optimistic explanatory style. Optimistic people are more likely to have an internal health locus of control and are less likely to get sick: Research indicates that optimists live longer, are more likely to recover from heart attacks, and have stronger immune systems than pessimists. Other research found that an increased sense of control in nursing home patients resulted in them becoming more physically active and more social than those who had a lower perception of control. It was also associated with a lower death rate.