Share Experts reveal that overindulgence can lead to learned helplessness. Dr. David J Bredehoft shared in an article in Psychology Today how overindulgence can cause children to be helpless. Unconsciously, parents teach their children helplessness when they practice overindulgence or doing everything for their children. It is either because they do not want to make their children feel disappointed or because they no longer want to go through the hassle of teaching their children. Whatever the reason may be, experts say that overindulgence can lead to learned helplessness. ALSO READ: What is learned helplessness? In the 1960s the principle of learned helplessness was introduced by Martin Seligman and Steven Maier. This principle was first observed in research among dogs.