Bystanderism refers to the phenomenon where individuals do not offer help to a victim when other people are present. This concept has been widely studied in psychology to understand the factors that influence whether or not a person will intervene in an emergency situation. This study note will explore the various factors influencing bystanderism, including situational, psychological, and social factors, with a focus on key studies such as Piliavin et al. (1969).
The presence of other people can significantly influence an individual's likelihood of helping. This is often explained by the concept known as the "bystander effect," where the probability of help decreases as the number of bystanders increases.
Example
Example: In a crowded subway, if someone collapses, each individual may feel less personal responsibility to help because they assume someone else will intervene.
Tip
Tip: Remember the term "diffusion of responsibility," which describes how individuals in a group feel less responsible for taking action.
The nature of the victim's predicament can also affect bystander intervention. For instance, people are more likely to help individuals who appear to be victims of circumstances beyond their control compared to those who seem to have brought their misfortune upon themselves.
Example
Example: Piliavin et al. (1969) found that a victim with a cane received help more frequently than a victim who appeared drunk.
Empathy plays a crucial role in determining whether a bystander will intervene. Individuals who can empathize with the victim are more likely to offer help.
Example
Example: If a bystander sees someone who looks like a loved one in distress, they may be more inclined to help due to their emotional connection.
People weigh the costs and benefits of intervening before deciding to help. If the perceived cost (e.g., risk of harm, time commitment) is too high, they are less likely to intervene.
Note
Note: This cost-benefit analysis can vary greatly depending on the situation and the individual's personal circumstances.
Social norms and cultural expectations can influence bystander behavior. In some cultures, there is a strong expectation to help others, while in others, people may be more reserved.
Common Mistake
Common Mistake: Assuming that social norms are universal. Different cultures have different expectations about helping behavior.
People are more likely to help those they perceive as part of their "in-group" (e.g., same ethnicity, same social group) compared to those they see as outsiders.
Example
Example: In-group favoritism can lead to quicker intervention if the victim is perceived as belonging to the same social group as the bystander.
To investigate the degree of help given to a victim who appeared to be either drunk or disabled.
The study highlights the significant impact of the victim's condition on bystander intervention and supports the idea that people make judgments about who deserves help.
Understanding the factors influencing bystanderism is crucial for developing interventions to encourage helping behavior. Studies like Piliavin et al. (1969) provide valuable insights into how situational, psychological, and social factors interact to influence whether or not people will intervene in an emergency. By recognizing these factors, we can better understand human behavior and work towards creating a more compassionate society.