A Correlational Study of Learned Helplessness and Irrational Beliefs on Depression Among Students

Depression among college students remains a pressing mental health issue, often linked to cognitive factors like learned helplessness and irrational beliefs. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between learned helplessness, irrational beliefs, and depression among 100 college students (50 males and 50 females) aged 18–24 years, using a correlational design. Participants completed the Learned Helplessness Scale, Irrational Beliefs Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Statistical analysis revealed a strong and statistically significant positive correlation between learned helplessness and depression (r = .780, p < .01), indicating that students with higher levels of helplessness reported greater depressive symptoms. Additionally, a moderate positive correlation (r = .469, p < .01) was found between irrational beliefs and depression, suggesting that rigid, maladaptive thinking patterns also contribute to depressive symptoms.