Learned helplessness and self-esteem in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This investigation studied the occurence of learned helplessness and the level of self-esteem in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as compared to individuals without chronic illness. A sample of 40 individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 40 individuals without chronic illness (WCI) completed three questionnaires which included the Learned Helplessness Scale (LHS), the Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and a demographic questionnaire. A t-test for independent samples was performed on the data to determine differences in the COPD and the WCI groups. Pearson's rho was applied to the data to determine any relationship between the LHS and the SES scores. Data from the demographic questionnaire were tallied for frequency of responses to further contribute to limited clinical information available regarding living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups on both the LHS and the SES. A positive correlation between SES and LHS scores was determined. Also concluded was a relationship between variables such as frequency of hospitalization, frequency of socialization outside the home, financial worries, goal setting, and depression and SES and LHS.