The nature of learned helplessness as cognitive disposition: among university students is investigated using representative samples from one Canadian (N=124) and two Indian (N =194) universities. Questionnaire measures are developed to assess both personal and universal helplessness. Several hypotheses derived from the learned helplessness model with respect to the relationship of student helplessness to response → outcome non-contingency and to their emotional and motivational deficits are tested. The results reveal that the helplessness measures have both convergent and discriminant validity. The generalizability of the predictions derived from the model across the two cultures is demonstrated. Some unique cultural differences in the results are highlighted. Directions for future research are discussed.