The Psychology of Helping Behavior

Introduction to the Bystander Effect
- In emergencies, an individual in need has a higher chance of receiving help in the presence of three other bystanders compared to when only one bystander is present.
- The statement is false, which sets the stage for exploring the dynamics behind this phenomenon.

Case Study: Kitty Genovese
- This incident highlighted why no one intervened to help, leading to studies on social psychological processes influencing helping behavior.
Definition of Bystander Effect
- A social psychological phenomenon where the presence of others inhibits an individual’s inclination to help a person in an emergency situation.

Time Pressure's Conflict with Helping Intentions
- Time constraints may hinder individuals from acting on their goodwill to assist others.
Darley & Batson’s (1973) Good Samaritan Study
- Subjects: Priests tasked with giving talks on different topics.
  - Independent Variable (IV) 1: Topic (Good Samaritan vs. Vocational Jobs).
  - Independent Variable (IV) 2: Time pressure conditions (on time vs. behind schedule).
- During their walk to the talk, a confederate was seen slumped in a doorway groaning.
- Dependent Variable (DV): Amount of help offered to the confederate.
Results:
- The study suggests time pressure dramatically influenced participants' willingness to help.

Correlation between Population Density and Helping
- Higher population density (e.g., large cities) is associated with decreased helping behavior.

Table 10.2:
- Subject: Helping tendencies in various U.S. cities, providing a “Helpfulness Index” as per a Boston Globe report (July 7, 1994).

General Premise
- Individuals are significantly more likely to assist others when experiencing positive moods.
True Statement: People are more inclined to help someone in a good mood.

Reasons Positive Mood Leads to Helping
- Desire to Maintain Good Mood: Individuals strive to prolong their positive feelings.
- Positive Expectations: Anticipation of beneficial outcomes from helping.
- Positive Thoughts: The induction of pro-social thoughts while in a good mood facilitates helping.

Reasons Why Positive Moods Might Not Lead to Helping
- High Costs: Helping may be perceived as too costly, thus deterring action.
- Competing Social Activities: Positive mood may trigger thoughts of engaging in other enjoyable activities which conflict with volunteering assistance.
- Mood Interference: Helping others might disrupt the maintenance of their positive emotions.

False Statement: People are less likely to help individuals when in a bad mood.
- Contrary to popular belief, negative moods can sometimes increase helping behavior.
Conditions Under Which Bad Moods Encourage Helping
- Individuals feel guilty for their bad moods and take responsibility for the cause.
- Focusing on others results in assisting; lower costs associated with helping.
- Negative State Relief Model: Suggests that helping others serves as a mechanism for alleviating personal negative feelings (e.g. sadness).

Negative Mood Deterreating Factors
- If individuals blame others for their negative feelings.
- High degree of self-focus, leading to neglect of others’ needs.
- If personal values that promote non-helpfulness are activated in the context of bad moods.

Norm of Reciprocity
- The social expectation that individuals should return assistance received.
Norm of Social Responsibility
- Societal obligation to help those in need when possible.
Concerns About Justice or Fairness
- Involves helping individuals deemed deserving of assistance.
Examples of Norms
- Perceptions of the homeless; subjective beliefs about who should receive aid.
Norm of Self-Interest
- Suggests individuals may prioritize personal gains over altruistic behavior.

Individual Differences in Helping Tendencies
- Evidence exists suggesting some individuals display a consistent propensity to help.
- These tendencies may be genetically influenced.
- The existence of an altruistic personality is debated.
Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis
- The theory positing that empathetic concern for others induces altruistic motives to help.

Demographic Variables Affecting Help-Seeking
- Attractiveness Influence
  - Attractive individuals are more likely to receive help than those deemed unattractive.
  - Help is more prominently offered to friendly individuals as well.
  - Charisma can significantly affect the amount of help others receive, but it often yields short-lived effects.

Women Seeking Help
- Statement: Women tend to seek help more often than men, confirmed as true.
Typical Male Helper Scenario
- Predominantly associated with public danger situations often involving female individuals needing help.
Typical Female Helper Scenario
- Characterized by prioritizing social support in non-dangerous and private settings.
Stereotypes in Help-Seeking
- Gender differences leading to enhanced willingness to seek assistance are largely validated by stereotypes.

Negative Reactions in High Self-Esteem Individuals
- Those with elevated self-esteem may react negatively to being assisted due to perceived implications about being inferior.
Helping Dynamics with Similar Individuals
- Receiving help from someone similar can imply a reduction in the perceived status or capability of the recipient.
Support from Significant Others
- Assistance in tasks that are crucial to one’s self-esteem can create perceived threats, leading to negative emotional responses.