Reading the article (twice) , I might wonder if what you described as Spiritual Support and the related questions you posed (though not as they defined it) may be a starting point
@InsertCoinsHere for overcoming learned helplessness [as I still believe
@MyWillow 's point of unpredictability in influencing one's environment being the biggest factor- reinforced by intermittent reinforcement (but with no rhyme or reason, and therefore no control, which in itself causes not only hopelessness but intense anxiety, because what works one minute may have the opposite effect or no effect at all, the next) ].
But oddly, googling I found this opinion indicating contrary findings to post-traumatic growth, that self-perception of it actually is corelated to greater distress later:
The Trouble With Post-Traumatic Growth
I do believe, whether it applies to myself or not, learned helplessness contains an element of defeat out-surpassing an absence of positive thinking, depressive styles or depression, or sheer effort. For one thing, denial superficially looks like a positive thinking style too, framed as a strength of sorts, yet leads to longer-term suffering than perhaps breaking down and regrouping in a different direction.
I suppose what I don't understand in terms of the article's basis in science, is how we can pre-suppose 'why' Walter seemed to lack resiliency based on that (he obviously internalized, by their explanation, the job loss due to personal, internal deficiencies, a sign of poor self-esteem and/or depression, +/or lack of confidence), but more obviously- Wall Street is notoriously cut-throat, competitive (CEO's are prized for a 'bendable moral code' in the literature)- perhaps that area was really not atune to his internal moral compass, or a variety of other potential explanations. Perhaps he hated the field. if he was being honest with himself? Similarly, going back to live with his parents- not sure if that would be considered an option for many, unless there were again other factors in play (working previously on Wall Street one could reasonably expect he would / could return to care 'for' his parents, not the other way around, by that age, and regardless of job loss, or surely would expect to be, sooner than later?) Nor would it indicate he necessarily experienced trauma as a child in their presence, or would he see that as a safety net? Etc.Because extrapolating, one can have learned helplessness but nonetheless still must survive, or try to, given no other options.
This you said makes the most sense to me and is a far better and more encompassing descriptor of the sheer impact:
To me learned helplessness does appear as a spiritual matter.. You lose all faith in yourself, your care takers and God.
When one can't consistently affect their environment, nothing makes the same kind of sense or is taken for granted in the way others see it, predictability or reward-assurance is thrown out the door. There is little rhyme or reason to what doesn't make sense, and even less personal power or influence expected or pre-supposed, based on following what others would consider 'normal' routes to achievement or security, let alone dreams or goals. JMHO though.
