Um this sounds like a psyche 101 theory for human behavior that doesn't conform to socially accepted standards. I've heard the phrase before.
We are, afterall, kinda helpless—didn't choose our family, our looks, our IQ. All sorts of tragedies befall us.
Helpless? Yes. Learned? Probably. I mean when life gives you lemons and you spend years trying to make lemonade but only get dirt water, then learned helplessness is a rational response. I guess.