Answer
Learned helplessness, a psychological condition where individuals believe their actions are futile, emerged as a central focus of Martin Seligman's work due to the groundbreaking teachings of Aaron T. Beck. Beck demonstrated that individuals' beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes significantly influence their emotional well-being. Inspired by this approach, Seligman expanded his research and explored how people's cognitive processes and learned behaviors could lead to hopelessness and psychological distress.