Psychotherapy: learned helplessness: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Psychotherapy: learned helplessness

Sample item

In Seligman's experiments, dogs exposed to inescapable shocks later failed to escape avoidable shocks. This model is applied to explain:

ASchizophreniaBPhobiaCDepressionDAutism

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Depression

Learned helplessness is an animal model suggesting that perceived lack of control over aversive events produces passivity, similar to depression. It underlies the attributional theory of depression.

Option by option

A. Schizophrenia
It is not a model for schizophrenia.
B. Phobia
Phobias are explained by conditioning and avoidance.
C. Depression (correct)
Correct. It is a learning model of depression.
D. Autism
It is not a model for autism.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Depression. Learned helplessness is an animal model suggesting that perceived lack of control over aversive events produces passivity, similar to depression.

Why is "Schizophrenia" not the answer?

It is not a model for schizophrenia.

Why is "Phobia" not the answer?

Phobias are explained by conditioning and avoidance.

Why is "Autism" not the answer?

It is not a model for autism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychotherapy: learned helplessness in Psychiatry. It underlies the attributional theory of depression.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychotherapy: learned helplessness?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.