Inspirational short story 2 - Dogs and Overcoming the Challenges in Life
The next inspiring story depicts an experiment conducted by an American psychologist Martin Seligman and Steve Maier whereby three groups of dogs were placed in harnesses.
In part 1 of the experiment, Group 1 dogs were simply put in the harnesses for a period of time and later released. Groups 2 and 3 consisted of "yoked pairs." A dog in Group 2 would be intentionally subjected to pain by being given electric shocks in intervals. A Group 3 dog was wired in parallel with a Group 2 dog, receiving shocks of identical intensity and duration.
After some time of being subjected to the shocks, the dog 2 searched within the harness and finally located a lever that could end the pain upon pressing it. They are inspired and encouraged from the learning and pressed the lever whenever they begin to feel the shock.
However, the group 3 dogs did not have a lever that could stop the electric shocks. Hence, for the Group 3 dogs, the shock was apparently "inescapable."
After the experiment, while Group 1 and Group 2 dogs quickly recovered from the experience, Group 3 dogs became helpless, and exhibited symptoms similar to chronic clinical depression.
In Part 2 of the experiment, these three groups of dogs were tested in a shuttle-box apparatus, in which the dogs could escape electric shocks by jumping over a low partition. Group 1 and Group 2 dogs were encouraged from their previous experiences and quickly explored the alternatives of an "escape route". They eventually jumped over the low partition to avoid the electric shocks. Unfortunately, the Group 3 dogs, discouraged from their experiences earlier, simply lay down passively and whined. Even though they could have easily escaped the shocks, the dogs didn't even try.
Now, let's think about life. There are people who are like the group 3 dogs, who faces difficulties in life and after several setbacks, starts to submit to the difficulties in life and admit defeat without even trying. Their self-esteem plummeted and they are negative with the happenings in life. They became passive and whined. They learn to blame the environment and the people for the circumstances that they are in. Helplessness becomes their immediate response.
BUT, if only they hadn't given up that easily. Despite experiencing setbacks, to learn to realise that there is a "lever" that could have possibly changed the situation. To see hope and light even amist challenges and difficulties. Even if caught in similar circumstances, the optimism of the group 2 dogs, will probably respond, "Really? I'm sure there must be a 'lever' somewhere! Even if I can't locate it now, I will someday!"
It's true that sometimes we may succeed, sometimes we may not. Nonetheless, we learn from each experience and are encouraged to have at least tried to improve the situation with optimism and determination.
May this short inspiring story remind us not to never give up and to perserveve in finding a way to overcome the the obstacles in our life!
In part 1 of the experiment, Group 1 dogs were simply put in the harnesses for a period of time and later released. Groups 2 and 3 consisted of "yoked pairs." A dog in Group 2 would be intentionally subjected to pain by being given electric shocks in intervals. A Group 3 dog was wired in parallel with a Group 2 dog, receiving shocks of identical intensity and duration.
After some time of being subjected to the shocks, the dog 2 searched within the harness and finally located a lever that could end the pain upon pressing it. They are inspired and encouraged from the learning and pressed the lever whenever they begin to feel the shock.
However, the group 3 dogs did not have a lever that could stop the electric shocks. Hence, for the Group 3 dogs, the shock was apparently "inescapable."
After the experiment, while Group 1 and Group 2 dogs quickly recovered from the experience, Group 3 dogs became helpless, and exhibited symptoms similar to chronic clinical depression.
In Part 2 of the experiment, these three groups of dogs were tested in a shuttle-box apparatus, in which the dogs could escape electric shocks by jumping over a low partition. Group 1 and Group 2 dogs were encouraged from their previous experiences and quickly explored the alternatives of an "escape route". They eventually jumped over the low partition to avoid the electric shocks. Unfortunately, the Group 3 dogs, discouraged from their experiences earlier, simply lay down passively and whined. Even though they could have easily escaped the shocks, the dogs didn't even try.
Now, let's think about life. There are people who are like the group 3 dogs, who faces difficulties in life and after several setbacks, starts to submit to the difficulties in life and admit defeat without even trying. Their self-esteem plummeted and they are negative with the happenings in life. They became passive and whined. They learn to blame the environment and the people for the circumstances that they are in. Helplessness becomes their immediate response.
BUT, if only they hadn't given up that easily. Despite experiencing setbacks, to learn to realise that there is a "lever" that could have possibly changed the situation. To see hope and light even amist challenges and difficulties. Even if caught in similar circumstances, the optimism of the group 2 dogs, will probably respond, "Really? I'm sure there must be a 'lever' somewhere! Even if I can't locate it now, I will someday!"
It's true that sometimes we may succeed, sometimes we may not. Nonetheless, we learn from each experience and are encouraged to have at least tried to improve the situation with optimism and determination.
May this short inspiring story remind us not to never give up and to perserveve in finding a way to overcome the the obstacles in our life!