Learned Helplessness Among Street-Begging Children: A Systematic Literature Review of Causes, Manifestations, and Interventions

This systematic literature review critically examines the phenomenon of learned helplessness among street-begging children, a vulnerable and often overlooked population. Learned helplessness refers to a psychological condition in which individuals, after repeated exposure to uncontrollable negative events, begin to believe that their actions have no impact on outcomes, leading to passivity and resignation. This review analyses 65 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, sourced from major academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The findings reveal that factors such as chronic poverty, social neglect, family violence, substance abuse, and lack of institutional support significantly contribute to the development of learned helplessness in begging children. This state manifests in diminished self-esteem, poor academic engagement, impaired decision-making abilities, and a lack of long-term aspirations. However, several studies also highlight that targeted psychosocial interventions, such as counselling, community-based education programs, and resilience training—can effectively mitigate feelings of helplessness and foster a sense of agency and hope among these children. This review underscores the urgent need for multidimensional policy frameworks and evidence-based interventions aimed at restoring autonomy, dignity, and future-oriented thinking in the lives of street-begging children.