Imposter Syndrome, Learned Helplessness, and Learned Futility: Are they real?

All, 

I invite you to review three articles, one on Imposter Syndrome, one on Learned Helplessness, and one on Learned Futility. The common theme in each article is centered in social psychology and outlines a rationale that explains 'why' students struggle with success. 

The theories: 

• Imposter Syndrome
• Learned Futility
• Learned Helplessness

Yet, I struggled to find research that creates both a rationale for these theories. I did find a rebuttal debunking Learned Helplessness. 

So, are these ideas 'real' and should they guide our approaches to support services? Or, are they popular ideas that should not have an influence on how we create services? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Kathy Tracey