In cognitive psychology, which concept is most nearly the opposite of personal control?

• A. Self-efficacy
• B. Learned helplessness
• C. Locus of control
• D. Intrinsic motivation

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of personal control, which refers to an individual's belief in their ability to influence events and outcomes in their life.
2. Step 2: Review the given options and their meanings: Self-efficacy is the belief in one's own ability to succeed; Locus of control refers to whether one attributes outcomes to internal or external factors; Intrinsic motivation is doing something for internal satisfaction.
3. Step 3: Identify the concept that represents a lack of personal control or the belief that one cannot influence outcomes, which contrasts with personal control.
4. Step 4: Recognize that learned helplessness is a psychological condition where a person feels unable to control or change a situation, leading to passivity and resignation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that learned helplessness is most nearly the opposite of personal control because it embodies the absence of perceived control over events.