Untrained normal achievers attributed failure to adoption of specific task strategies, while untrained learning disabled boys attributed failure to task difficulty. Characteristics of learned helplessness were apparent in the impaired performance of the learning-disabled boys. Normal achievers appeared to have developed active and independent…

Presents the second part of a cognitive model of family conflict. Proposes that high efficacy enhances persistence in family problem solving while low efficacy inhibits such efforts, and that chronic low efficacy may lead to learned helplessness responses in family members. (Author)

The study examined learned helplessness in approximately 200 elementary aged learning disabled (LD) students and the effectiveness of classroom based attribution training and coping skills training for these children. Ss received one half hour training 3 days a week for 5 weeks in a program which used techniques of modeling, direct instruction,…