Learned helplessnes political behavior and mass communications: findings from a study of Athenian students
Abstract
This paper presents research results on the students’ feelings of political inefficacy, apathy and cynicism. The theoretical argument is based on Seligman’s theory of learned helplessness and its relationship to Gidden’s notion of ontological insecurity. Since both these conditions are related to risk perception and loss of control, the effects of media via the promotion of danger and negative news, were also examined. The findings indicated three psychosocial profiles: (a) students who are «pragmatists, (b) the «cynical pessimists» and (c) the majority of students who are «uncertain» and «awkward» towards both personal and public affairs, Media use differentiates mainly the first two groups: the pragmatists use media extensively for personal reasons, while cynical pessimists appear to deny media use altogether. On the contrary, uncertain and awkward students make an average and occasional media use which appears to maintain, if not strengthen, their uncertainty and awkwardness.
Article Details
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Ντάβου Μ., & Αρμενάκης Α. (2017). Learned helplessnes political behavior and mass communications: findings from a study of Athenian students. Greek Political Science Review, 16, 72–107. https://doi.org/10.12681/hpsa.15187
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