Speaking as someone who's never -quite- been in poverty, but has been pretty close to the 'lowest tier' of financial status at least once.

How close? A little over 10 years ago I had to move back in with my parents, owed a lot of folks money due to a separation (back rent the ex wouldn't pay, moving costs, etc) and it got to where a low-interest loan from my parents was the only thing that kept me solvent.

I still wonder where I'd be right now if they said no, or didn't have the money, or didn't let me live there rent-free during that time.

And I -remember- how hard it was, to do anything to improve the situation. I was being taken advantage of by a very toxic boss.

Here's a scenario:

- Your mom had a heart attack a week and a half ago

- There were severe complications and she might not make it past 72 hours

- Your boss tells you "Didn't I already give you a day off for that?" when you ask to see her.

What do you do? Staying 'positive' through a situation like that sounds a lot like other groups of people told to 'be happy with their lot'.

There's a huge difference between an accurate descriptive explanation of why someone is in poverty, and what mindset one ought to have if they are in poverty so as to maximize their chances of escaping it (or at least, of enduring it). The former should not inform the latter.

I am skeptical that putting the locus of control outside of oneself - even if partly or largely true as a description of reality - is a good solution to the latter objective due to the learned helplessness and depression that may be magnified by doing that.

> I am skeptical that putting the locus of control outside of oneself - even if partly or largely true as a description of reality - is a good solution

On the contrary, understanding and acknowledging what is outside one's locus of control is a sign of mental health.

> the learned helplessness and depression that may be magnified by doing that

It's the opposite. The "you can achieve anything if you try hard enough" message common in "positive thinking" clashes with reality.

The obvious implication is "it's my fault for not trying hard enough" which is a perfect example of learned helplessness.

It's a recipe for disaster. If you focus on what you can't control, you end up doing nothing. Focus on the actions that can best improve your life.