Establishing a learned-helplessness effect paradigm in C57BL/6 mice: Behavioural evidence for emotional, motivational and cognitive effects of aversive uncontrollability per se

► A learned helplessness (LH) effect paradigm was developed for C57BL/6 mice. ► Emotional, motivational and cognitive effects appeared to contribute to the LH effect. ► Heterozygote serotonin transporter knockout mice exhibit an increased LH effect relative to wildtype mice. ► The paradigm provides an objective readout of face validity with respect to depression. ► The paradigm will allow for development of mouse models of generalized helplessness.