Journals / Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 55 Sayı: 2

Protective Factors Against Learned Helplessness in Emerging Adulthood: Grit, Self-Compassion and Gratitude

Beliren Yetişkin Döneminde Öğrenilmiş Çaresizliğe Karşı Koruyucu Faktörler: Azim, Öz-şefkat ve Şükran

Elif Güner Bozkurt(VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-8854-0604
Aynur Ergin(VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-6393-3938
Ferhat Kardaş(VAN YÜZÜNCÜ YIL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-3386-3956
Pages
1123–1147
Publication Date
2026-08-31
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

According to the results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis, we found grit, self-compassion, and gratitude as the predictors of learned helplessness.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The aim of this research is to examine whether the variables of self-compassion, gratitude, and grit have a protective effect against learned helplessness among individuals in emerging adulthood.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The study group consists of 356 individuals in the emerging adulthood period.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:According to the results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis, we found grit, self-compassion, and gratitude as the predictors of learned helplessness.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Öğrenilmiş Çaresizlik · Öz Şefkat · Şükran

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine whether the variables of self-compassion, gratitude, and grit have a protective effect against learned helplessness among individuals in emerging adulthood. The study employed a quantitative method with a descriptive research design. The study group consists of 356 individuals in the emerging adulthood period. Of the participants, 254 are female (71.3%) and 102 are male (28.7%). We found that the learned helplessness variable had significant negative correlations with all other variables. According to the results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis, we found grit, self-compassion, and gratitude as the predictors of learned helplessness. Accordingly, in the first model, grit alone predicts 42.2% of the variance in learned helplessness; grit and self-compassion together predict 47.7%; and grit, self-compassion, and gratitude together predict 48.3% of the variance. All models were found to be statistically significant (p <.001). Addressing factors that protect individuals from learned helplessness may be helpful in preventive work, especially for those working in the field of mental health. We believe that intervention studies that consider these factors will make meaningful contributions to well-being research at the individual and societal levels.

Özet

Bu çalışmanın amacı, beliren yetişkinlik dönemindeki bireylerin öğrenilmiş çaresizlik durumlarına karşı öz şefkat, şükran ve azim değişkenlerinin koruyucu bir etkisinin olup olmadığını araştırmaktır. Araştırma, nicel yöntemle yapılan ve betimsel desenle yürütülen bir çalışmadır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu beliren yetişkinlik dönemindeki 356 birey oluşturmaktadır. Katılımcıların 254’ü (%71,3) kadın ve 102’si(%28,7) erkektir. Araştırmada öğrenilmiş çaresizlik değişkeninin diğer tüm değişkenlerle negatif yönde anlamlı ilişkilere sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir. Hangi değişkenin öğrenilmiş çaresizliği daha çok yordadığını belirlemek amacıyla yapılan aşamalı çoklu regresyon analizi sonucuna göre öğrenilmiş çaresizliğin yordayıcıları sırasıyla, azim, öz şefkat ve şükran olarak belirlenmiştir. Buna göre, ilk modelde azim tek başına öğrenilmiş çaresizlikteki varyansın %42.2’sini; azim ile öz-şefkat birlikte %47.7’sini; azim, öz-şefkat ve şükran birlikte varyansın %48.3’ünü yordamaktadır. Tüm modeller istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmuştur (p <.001). Öğrenilmiş çaresizliğe karşı koruyucu faktörlerin ele alınması, özellikle ruh sağlığı çalışanlarının uygulayacağı önleyici çalışmalarda yardımcı olabilir. Bu faktörlerin dikkate alındığı uygulamaların bireysel ve toplumsal düzeyde iyi oluş üzerinde koruyucu bir etki sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.

🔖

Cite This Article

Bozkurt, E. G., Ergin, A., Kardaş, F. (2026). Protective Factors Against Learned Helplessness in Emerging Adulthood: Grit, Self-Compassion and Gratitude. Çukurova Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, Cilt: 55 Sayı: 2, 1123–1147. https://doi.org/10.14812/cuefd.1771167

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (79)

  1. Abramson, L. Y., Seligman, M. E., & Teasdale, J. D. (1978). Learned helplessness in humans: Critique and reformulation. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 87(1), 49–74. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.87.1.49
  2. Akın, Ü., Akın, A. ve Abacı, R. (2007). Öz-duyarlık Ölçeği: Geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 33, 01-10. https://izlik.org/JA35HH93MA
  3. Aktan, C. C., ve Yay, S. (2016). Öğrenilmiş Çaresizlik ve Değişime Karşı Pasif Direnç. Sosyal Ve Beşeri Bilimler Dergisi, 8(2), 58-71.
  4. Alloy, L. B., & Abramson, L. Y. (1979). Judgment of contingency in depressed and nondepressed students: sadder but wiser?. Journal of experimental psychology. General, 108(4), 441–485. https://doi.org/10.1037//0096-3445.108.4.441
  5. Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469–480. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.5.469
  6. Arnett, J. J. (2004). Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties. Oxford University Press.
  7. Baratta, M. V., Seligman, M. E. P., & Maier, S. F. (2023). From helplessness to controllability: toward a neuroscience of resilience. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1170417
  8. Botha, F. & Dahmann, S. C. (2024). Locus of control, self-control, and health outcomes. SSM- Population Health, 25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101566
  9. Boyacı, M. ve İlhan, T. (2016). Bilişsel davranışçı terapi yaklaşımının film analizi yöntemiyle incelenmesi. Mersin Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 12(2), 734746. https://doi.org/10.17860/efd.03838
  10. Büyüköztürk, Ş., Kılıç, E., Akgün, Ö. E., & Demirel, F. (2018). Bilimsel araştırma yöntemleri. Pegem Akademi. https://doi.org/10.14527/9789944919289
  11. Büyükşahin Çevik, G. ve Gündoğdu, HM (2015). Stres, Umutsuzluk ve Annelerin Öğrenilmiş Çaresizliğinin Ergenlerin Öğrenilmiş Çaresizliğini Yordama Düzeyleri. Türk Psikolojik Danışmanlık ve Rehberlik Dergisi, 5(43), 21-34. https://izlik.org/JA65KY22LR
  12. Credé, M., Tynan, M. C., & Harms, P. D. (2017). Much ado about grit: A meta-analytic synthesis of the grit literature. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(3), 492–511. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000102
  13. Credé, M., Tynan, M. C., & Harms, P. D. (2017). Much ado about grit: A meta-analytic synthesis of the grit literature. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(3), 492–511. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000102b
  14. Demir, S. (2023). The mediatory role of self-esteem in the effect of learned helplessness on future anxiety: A research on faculty of health sciences students. Ekev Akademi Dergisi, (96), 260-278. https://doi.org/10.17753/sosekev.1386781
  15. Duckworth, A. L., & Gross, J. J. (2014). Self-control and grit: Related but separable determinants of success. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(5), 319–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414541462
  16. Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087
  17. Duckworth, A.L. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. International Journal of Applied Behavioral Economics, 6(3), 55-57.
  18. Emmons, R. A. (2004). The Psychology of Gratitude: An Introduction. In R. A. Emmons & M. E. McCullough (Eds.), The psychology of gratitude (pp. 3–16). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195150100.003.0001
  19. Emmons, R. A. (2009). Gratitude. In S.J. Lopez & A. Beauchamp (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology. (pp. 442-447). New York: Oxford University Press.
  20. Emmons, R. A., & Crumpler, C. A. (2000). Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the evidence. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 56–69. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.56
  21. Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.2.377
  22. Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
  23. Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
  24. Filippello, P., Larcan, R., Sorrenti, L., Buzzai, C., Orecchio, S., & Costa, S. (2017). The mediating role of maladaptive perfectionism in the association between psychological control and learned helplessness. Improving Schools, 20(2), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216688554
  25. Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). The broaden–and–build theory of positive emotions. Philosophical transactions of the royal society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 359(1449), 1367-1377. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2004.1512
  26. Germer, C. K. (2009). The mindful path to self-compassion: Freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions. The Guilford Press.
  27. Gilbert, P. (2005). Compassion: Conceptualisations, research and use in psychotherapy. Routledge.
  28. Güler, B. K. (2006). Çalışma hayatında öğrenilmiş çaresizlik. Liberte Yayınları.
  29. Hannum, R. D., Rosellini, R. A., & Seligman, M. E. (1976). Learned helplessness in the rat: Retention and immunization. Developmental Psychology, 12(5), 449–454. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.12.5.449
  30. Hewitt, P. L., & Flett, G. L. (1991). Perfectionism in the self and social contexts: Conceptualization, assessment, and association with psychopathology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 60(3), 456–470. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.60.3.456
  31. Hiroto, D. S. (1974). Locus of control and learned helplessness. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 102(2), 187–193. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0035910
  32. Joy J, L. K., Ramachandran, M., & George, S. (2021). Learned Helplessness, Psychological Wellbeing, and Proenvironment Care Behavior among Victims of Frequent Floods in Kerala. Journal of neurosciences in rural practice, 12(1), 137–144. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1721566
  33. Karasar, N. (2014). Bilimsel araştırma yöntemi (26. baskı). Nobel Yayıncılık.
  34. Kardaş, F., & Yalçın, İ. (2021). The broaden-and-built theory of gratitude: Testing a model of well-being and resilience on Turkish college students. Participatory Educational Research, 8(1), 141-159. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.21.8.8.1
  35. Kardaş, F., Çam, Z., Eşkisu, M., & Gelibolu, S. (2019). Gratitude, hope, optimism and life satisfaction as predictors of psychological well-being. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 19(82), 81-100. https://izlik.org/JA56RA52TL
  36. Kardaş, F., Eşkisu, M., Çam, Z., & Taytaş, M. (2022). Development and validation of the grit scale: test of measurement invariance across university and high school students. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 9(3), 571-588. https://doi.org/10.52380/ijpes.2022.9.3.626
  37. Kardaş, F., ve Yalçın, İ. (2019). Şükran ölçeği: Geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 18(69), 13-31. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.406306
  38. Kaynak, S. (2024). Okulda pozitif psikoloji uygulamaları: 12-18 yaş öğrencilerine yönelik grup rehberliği etkinlikleri (Ş. Işık, Ed.; 7. bs.). Pegem Akademi.
  39. Khonsari M, hatami M, hoseinzader taghvai M. (2019). The comparison of the effectiveness of group compassion and choice theory training on learned helplessness and self-efficacy in students. Journal of Psychological Science. 18(73), 17-28.
  40. Kim, D.-H., & Kim, H. (2021). Multiple Mediating Effects of Depression, Academic Helplessness, and Smartphone Addiction Tendency in The Relationship between Self-esteem and Grit of Adolescents. Journal of Digital Convergence, 19(1), 443–451. https://doi.org/10.14400/JDC.2021.19.1.443
  41. Kim, Y. J. (2015). The mediating and moderating effect of grit in relationship between depression and the suicidal ıdeation of the Korean elderly. Information, 18(5), 2187-2192.
  42. Ko, H., Yu, J., Moon, E., & Park, J. (2023). The effects of academic self-efficacy, grit, and learned helplessness on academic delay behavior in college students. The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services, 27(3), 101–111. https://doi.org/10.14408/KJEMS.2023.27.3.101
  43. Kwon, E.-K. (2021). The mediating effect of grit between academic achievement satisfaction and academic helplessness of middle school students. Journal of Digital Convergence, 19(10), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.14400/JDC.2021.19.10.247
  44. Lee, S., Cui, L., & Chung, I.-J. (2022). The effect of parental attitudes on adolescents’ academic grades and helplessness through grit: Gender differences. Journal of Adolescent Welfare, 24(1), 117–143. https://doi.org/10.19034/KAYW.2022.24.1.06
  45. Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The how of happiness: A scientific approach to getting the life you want. Penguin Press. Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 397–422. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397
  46. Miller, W. R., & Seligman, M. E. (1975). Depression and learned helplessness in man. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 84(3), 228–238. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0076720
  47. Neff, K. (2003a). Self-compassion: An alternative conceptualization of a healthy attitude toward oneself. Self and Identity, 2(2), 85–101. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309032
  48. Neff, K. D. (2003b). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223–250. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298860309027
  49. Neff, K. D. (2016). The Self-Compassion Scale is a valid and theoretically coherent measure of self-compassion. Mindfulness, 7(1), 264–274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0479-3
  50. Neff, K. D. (2022). The differential effects fallacy in the study of self-compassion: Misunderstanding the nature of bipolar continuums. Mindfulness, 13(1), 572–576. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01832-8
  51. Neff, K. D. (2023). Self-compassion: Theory, method, research, and intervention. Annual Review of Psychology, 74, 193–218. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-032420-031047
  52. Neff, K. D., Tóth-Király, I., Knox, M. C., et al. (2021). The development and validation of the State Self-Compassion Scale (long- and short form). Mindfulness, 12(1), 121–140. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01505-4
  53. Norman, D. A. (2002). The design of everyday things. Basic Books. Odabaşı, B. (2013). The effect of learned helplessness on success. International Journal of Academic Research Part B, 5(4), 125–133. DOI: 10.7813/2075-4124.2013/5-4/B.18
  54. Overmier, J. B., & Seligman, M. E. (1967). Effects of inescapable shock upon subsequent escape and avoidance responding. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 63(1), 28–33. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0024166
  55. Quinless, F. W., & Nelson, M. A. (1988). Development of a measure of learned helplessness. Nursing Research, 37(1), 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006199-198801000-00003
  56. Roth, S., & Bootzin, R. R. (1974). Effects of experimentally induced expectancies of external control: An investigation of learned helplessness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 29(2), 253–264. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0036022
  57. Roth, S., & Kubal, L. (1975). Effects of noncontingent reinforcement on tasks of differing importance: Facilitation and learned helplessness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32(4), 680–691. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.32.4.680
  58. Scherer, K. R. (2022). Learned helplessness revisited: biased evaluation of goals and action potential are major risk factors for emotional disturbance. Cognition and Emotion, 36(6), 1021–1026. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2022.2141002
  59. Schueller, S. M., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2008). Optimism and pessimism. In K. S. Dobson & D. J. A. Dozois (Eds.), Risk factors in depression (pp. 171–194). Elsevier Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-045078-0.00008-3
  60. Schulenberg, J. E., & Zarrett, N. R. (2006). Mental Health During Emerging Adulthood: Continuity and Discontinuity in Courses, Causes, and Functions. In J. J. Arnett & J. L. Tanner (Eds.), Emerging adults in America: Coming of age in the 21st century (pp. 135–172). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/11381-006
  61. Segerstrom, S. C. (2007). Optimism and resources: Effects on each other and on health over 10 years. Journal of Research in Personality, 41(4), 772–786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2006.09.004
  62. Seligman, M. E. P. (1975). Helplessness: On depression, development, and death. W H Freeman/Times Books/ Henry Holt & Co.
  63. Seligman, M. E., & Maier, S. F. (1967). Failure to escape traumatic shock. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 74(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0024514
  64. Seligman, M. E., Maier, S. F., & Geer, J. H. (1968). Alleviation of learned helplessness in the dog. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 73(3, Pt.1), 256–262. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0025831
  65. Sheldon, K. M., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2006). How to increase and sustain positive emotion: The effects of expressing gratitude and visualizing best possible selves. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1(2), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760500510676
  66. Singh, K., & Jha, S. D. (2008). Positive and negative effect, and grit as predictors of happiness and life satisfaction. Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, 34(2), 40-45. Snyder, C. R. (1994). The psychology of hope: You can get there from here. New York, NY: Free Press.
  67. Suzanna, T. B., & Sinha, A. (2023). Emotional abuse, learned helplessness, and self-compassion in the context of relationships. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 11(3), 494–502. https://ijip.in/articles/emotional-abuse-learned-helplessness-and-self-compassion-in-the-context-of-relationships/
  68. Tabachnick, B. G., & Fidell, L. S. (2013). Using multivariate statistics (6th ed.). Pearson Education.
  69. Taşçıoğlu, G., Çakıcı, E., & Cirhinlioğlu, F. G. (2021). Somatization Level Among Psychosomatic Dermatology Patients: Relationship With Dyadic Adjustment, Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Perfectionism. Alpha psychiatry, 22(3), 165–170. https://doi.org/10.5455/apd.113545
  70. Taytaş, M., & Kardaş, F. (2022). Ergenlerde azim, umut ve öz-yeterliğin depresyon ile ilişkisi. Okul Psikolojik Danışmanlığı Dergisi, 5(1), 73-106. https://izlik.org/JA65BG48LF
  71. Tiwari, P., Berghella, A. P., Sayalı, C., Doss, M. K., Barrett, F. S., & Yaden, D. B. (2023). Learned helplessness as a potential transdiagnostic therapeutic mechanism of classic psychedelics. Psychedelic Medicine, 1(2), 74–86. https://doi.org/10.1089/psymed.2023.0010
  72. Türk Dil Kurumu. (2025). Güncel Türkçe Sözlük. https://sozluk.gov.tr
  73. Vinothkumar, M., & Prasad, N. (2016). Moderating role of resilience in the relationship between grit and psychological well-being. International Journal of Psychology and Psychiatry, 4(2), 10-23. Doi: 10.5958/2320-6233.2016.00009.2
  74. Wood, A. M., Froh, J. J., & Geraghty, A. W. A. (2010). Gratitude and well-being: A review and theoretical integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 890–905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.005
  75. World Health Organization. (2019, May). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). https://icd.who.int
  76. Xue, S., Gu, Q., Zhu, K., & Jiang, J. (2023). Self-compassion buffers the impact of learned helplessness on adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. Journal of Affective Disorders, 327, 285–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.099
  77. Yavaş, T. (2012). Ortaöğretim okul yöneticileri ve öğretmenlerinin öğrenilmiş çaresizlik, tükenmişlik ve öz yeterlik algılarının örgütsel öğrenme düzeylerine etkileri (Yayınlanmamış doktora tezi). Fırat Üniversitesi, Türkiye.
  78. Yıldız, F. N., ve Kardaş, F. (2021). Ergenlerde Akademik Öz-Yeterlik, İçsel Motivasyon, Azim ve Psikolojik Dayanıklılığın İyi Oluş ile İlişkisinin İncelenmesi. YYU Journal of Education Faculty, 18(1), 1073-1099. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.957391
  79. Young, M.E.& Hutchinson, T.S. (2012). The Rediscovery of gratitude: Implications for counseling practice. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 51, 99-113. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1939.2012.00008.x