Learned Helplessness

This one is dedicated to children of abuse and people in abusive relationships.

If you have been paying attention, you would know that I have my bachelor's degree in psychology, so every now and then I like to play Dr. Phil with what I know.

Here is a tip for people who are surrounded my violence and dominating personalities.

Children of abuse often times mimick the environment of their upbringing, thus perpetuating the violence. If you are a teacher, or caregiver, you will notice that children of violence often times become violent, or very submissive. That is not hard to understand considering that we, as human beings, have a natural evolutionary tendency towards adapting to our surroundings. So, when you grow up in a situation in which you have to fear for your life, you become either defensive or dosile. And in submissiveness you may awaken something in others that cause them to dominate over you. So, the cycle continues as you constantly recreate the initial situation.

So, the lesson here is: Be careful of the signals you are sending to others. And remember what Dr. Phil says, "You teach others how to treat you."