Abstract
The present study aimed at examining the mechanism of helplessness, by reconsidering contingency in learned helplessness theories. Study1 was to develop a perceived experience of contingency scale for junior high school students (PECS). A scale composed of two factors (contingent experiences non-contingent experiences) was developed, and the reliability and validity was demonstrated. Study2 compared scores on the PECS for students with school non-attendance and those without such a problem. No significant differences in the mean scores on each factor were found between the two groups. The result suggested that students without school non-attendance had lack of contingent experiences and much non-contingent experiences as much as students with such a problem. According to the result, the authors compared scores on the PECS for those with high helplessness and those with low helplessness behavior students in students who attend school. Significant differences in the mean scores on factorl were found between the two groups. The result suggested junior high school students' helplessness was caused by lack of contingent experiences rather than much non-contingent experiences.
