A Study of Learned Helplessness and Irrational Beliefs among Graduate College Students

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the levels of learned helplessness and irrational beliefs among male and female graduate college students, and to explore the correlation between these two psychological constructs. A purposive sample of 100 graduate students (50 males and 50 females), aged between 18 and 24 years (M = 21.58, SD = 2.87), was selected from various colleges in Solapur city, Maharashtra. The study employed the Learned Helplessness Scale (adapted by Srivastava & Patro, 2006) and the Personal Belief Inventory (Hartman, 1968) to assess the respective variables. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests and Pearson product-moment correlation to evaluate gender differences and associations between the constructs. Findings revealed that female students exhibited significantly higher levels of both learned helplessness (t(98) = 9.62, p < .01) and irrational beliefs (t(98) = 11.83, p < .01) compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between learned helplessness and irrational beliefs (r = –.81, p < .01), indicating that as one construct increased, the other decreased. This inverse relationship, although unexpected, highlights the complexity of cognitive-emotional interactions among young adults. The results suggest the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions within higher education settings, with a focus on restructuring irrational beliefs and enhancing a sense of personal control. The study contributes to the understanding of cognitive vulnerability in Indian college students and underscores the importance of psychological support systems in academic institutions.