Learned helplessness is often regarded as a paradox within psychology because of the contrast between expectation and behavior. It involves a situation where, despite the presence of opportunities to escape or change an adverse condition, an individual or animal behaves as if no such control exists, leading to passivity and resignation. The paradox lies in the fact that the perceived lack of control, which develops after repeated uncontrollable negative events, causes a breakdown in the motivation to act, even when control is subsequently possible.​