Training in Powerlessness during Transitional Life-Events

Abstract

Men and women recalled experiences associated with ten transitional life-events, e.g., beginning school, ending a romantic relationship. The people in the study analyzed their memories for social training that supported the development of scripts. Statistical analysis revealed a syndrome for women of being anxious or afraid, being passive, and being helped by another. This is compared to the TA concept of being Rescued, which is basic training for powerlessness. Women generally reported more experiences that supported the formation of scripts that restrict autonomy. The results of this study, women experiencing more training in scripts than men, were used to account for, in part, how it comes to be that women experience a greater amount of psychological distress than do men.

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