How learned helplessness is at play in the United States right now

The Metro

How learned helplessness is at play in the United States right now

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Published on Jan 12, 2026, 7:32:51 PM
Total time: 00:35:12

Episode Description

In the past few weeks, the country has experienced an onslaught of news and information that can often be hard to process. 

From the capture and detainment of the president of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro, which included multiple civilian deaths to the murder of U.S. citizens by ICE agents, it's not hard to understand why some people simply check out or take matters into their own hands.

But how much of this is learned behavior? How can it be contributed to learned helplessness, the idea that no matter what you do as an individual or group, the outcome will not change?

Joining us to unpack learned helplessness is Dr. Julia Felton, associate professor of psychology at Wayne State University. 

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"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.