SOCSCI 2CC3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Learned Helplessness

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Social Sciences
• Course: SOCSCI 2CC3
• Professor: Geraldine Voros

Document Summary

By the age of 7 boys are expected to control their emotions; not to cry (or they are a cry baby and must be strong and brave). They are expected to be independent and aggressive if necessary (not a mama"s boy). If a boy becomes angry, parents may endure it or humorously encourage it by saying get him tiger . The expectations for girls are the opposite. They are expected to be close to the adults in their lives, warm, loving and dependent. They are rewarded when acting like this and called good little helpers, angels and good sharers . Girls are more likely to ask for help (3x more than boys) Girls receive a positive response to needed help and learn helplessness whereas boys asking for help receive a negative response and encouraged to figure things out on their own. Researchers examine the degree of independence and dependence of children in their tender years.