Factors Influencing Helping Behavior
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Memphis *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
6203
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by rldyson
Factors Influencing Helping Behavior: An In-Depth Analysis
Ricci L Dyson
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University
PSY-530: Social and Cultural Psychology
Dr. Barbara Chappell
October 25, 2023
Introduction
Helping behavior, a crucial aspect of human social interaction, is shaped by various
psychological, physiological, and sociocultural factors. This essay explores the intricate
dynamics of helping behavior by examining the influences of diffusion of responsibility,
pluralistic ignorance, victim effects, dispositional effects, and neural mechanisms. Additionally,
it discusses how social and cultural pressures can further modulate one's propensity to assist
others. Drawing upon both classic and contemporary research, this discussion aims to elucidate
the multifaceted nature of helping behavior.
Diffusion of Responsibility
Diffusion of responsibility is a psychological concept that states that the more witnesses
there are to an emergency, the less likely victims are to receive assistance. This is because each
bystander believes that someone else will take responsibility for assisting them (Branscombe &
Baron, 2016). This effect can significantly impact helping behavior, as the presence of others
often dilutes one's perceived duty to assist in each situation. For instance, in the famous case of
Kitty Genovese, numerous bystanders failed to intervene in her murder, with each assuming if
someone else would help (Darley & Latané, 1968). This classic example underscores how
diffusion of responsibility can lead to a lack of timely aid, especially in emergencies.
Pluralistic Ignorance
Pluralistic ignorance occurs when we collectively misunderstand the views of others and
mistakenly believe that others have different attitudes than us (Branscombe & Baron, 2016). In
the context of helping behavior, pluralistic ignorance can manifest when people are unsure about
how to act due to ambiguous social cues or norms. They may refrain from helping, mistakenly
thinking that others are also disinclined to assist, creating a collective inaction. For instance, if a
group of bystanders observes a distressing situation but none act, it may be due to a shared belief
that nobody else is concerned or willing to help (Fischer et al., 2011). In such cases, individuals
may follow the perceived group norm, thereby inhibiting helping behavior.
Victim Effects
The characteristics and behavior of the potential victim play a pivotal role in influencing
helping behavior. People are more likely to assist individuals they perceive as innocent or
deserving of help. The victim's and helper's races may have a role, with black victims less likely
to receive assistance from white spectators, especially if they have a high level of aversive
racism (Kunstman & Plant, 2009). Empathy, a key factor in determining one's willingness to
help, is often triggered by the victim's appearance and actions. For instance, a crying child or an
injured person is more likely to elicit help than an adult who appears aggressive or intoxicated.
The appearance of vulnerability and harm significantly influences the decision to intervene and
assist (Penner, Dovidio, Piliavin, & Schroeder, 2005).
Dispositional Effects
Dispositional factors refer to an individual's inherent personality traits and characteristics,
which can affect their likelihood to engage in helping behavior. Research has shown that
dispositional variables, such as the Big Five personality traits, play a significant role in shaping
prosocial actions (Graziano, Habashi, Sheese, & Tobin, 2007). For instance, individuals with
high levels of agreeableness are more likely to engage in altruistic behaviors, as this personality
trait is associated with empathy, cooperation, and a desire to maintain positive social
relationships. On the other hand, individuals with lower agreeableness scores may be less
inclined to help due to lower empathy levels and a reduced focus on social harmony (Graziano et
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
al., 2007). Dispositional effects interact with situational factors, contributing to the complex
interplay of individual characteristics and situational context in influencing helping behavior.
Neural Mechanisms
Neuroscientific research has uncovered the underlying neural mechanisms that influence
helping behavior. Brain regions associated with empathy, altruism, and decision-making
processes are integral to understanding why people help or do not help in various situations. The
ventral striatum, a part of the brain's reward system, and the prefrontal cortex are particularly
important in processing the positive feelings associated with helping others. Activation in these
regions reinforces helping behavior by providing emotional rewards for assisting others. On the
contrary, disruptions in these neural mechanisms, as seen in individuals with certain brain
injuries or psychiatric disorders, may lead to reduced helping behavior (Marsh, Stoycos, Brethel-
Haurwitz, Robinson, & VanMeter, 2014).
Social and Cultural Pressures
Helping behavior is profoundly influenced by social and cultural pressures. Societal
norms, values, and expectations shape how individuals perceive and respond to situations where
help may be needed. Different cultures may have varying norms regarding the extent of
assistance that should be provided, which in turn affects people's reactions in cross-cultural
contexts. Collectivist cultures often prioritize group harmony and cooperation, promoting
helping behavior within the community. In contrast, individualistic cultures may prioritize
personal autonomy and self-reliance, which may influence the threshold for offering help
(Hudson & Bruckman, 2004).
Media and public discourse further contribute to the formation of societal attitudes
toward helping behavior. Campaigns and stories that highlight acts of kindness and generosity
can inspire people to be more helpful. In contrast, sensationalized crime stories or negative
portrayals of social issues can foster fear and distrust, potentially reducing the likelihood of
helping strangers. Thus, media and public narratives can significantly influence societal values
and attitudes, consequently impacting helping behavior (Hudson & Bruckman, 2004).
Conclusion
Helping behavior is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a range of psychological,
physiological, and sociocultural factors. Diffusion of responsibility, pluralistic ignorance, victim
effects, dispositional effects, and neural mechanisms collectively play a role in determining
whether individuals will help others. Additionally, social, and cultural pressures further shape
these influences, molding the societal values and norms that guide helping behavior.
Understanding the intricate dynamics of these factors is essential for fostering a more
compassionate and empathetic society, where individuals are more inclined to help those in need.
Reference
Branscombe, N. R., & Baron, R. A. (2016). Social psychology. Pearson Education.
Darley, J. M., & Latane, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of
responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4, Pt.1), 377–383.
https://doi.org/10.1037/h0025589
Fischer, P., Krueger, J. I., Greitemeyer, T., Vogrincic, C., Kastenmüller, A., Frey, D., Heene, M.,
Wicher, M., & Kainbacher, M. (2011). The bystander-effect: a meta-analytic review on
bystander intervention in dangerous and non-dangerous emergencies. Psychological
bulletin, 137(4), 517–537.
https://doi.org/10.1037/a0023304
Graziano, W. G., Habashi, M. M., Sheese, B. E., & Tobin, R. M. (2007). Agreeableness,
empathy, and helping: a person x situation perspective. Journal of personality and social
psychology, 93(4), 583–599.
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.93.4.583
Hudson, J. M., & Bruckman, A. S. (2004, April 1). The Bystander Effect: A Lens for
Understanding Patterns of Participation.
Journal of the Learning Sciences
,
13
(2), 165–
195.
https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327809jls1302_2
Kunstman, J. W., & Plant, E. A. (2009). Racing to help: Racial bias in high emergency helping
situations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95, 1499–1510.
Marsh, A. A., Stoycos, S. A., Brethel-Haurwitz, K. M., Robinson, P., VanMeter, J. W., &
Cardinale, E. M. (2014). Neural and cognitive characteristics of extraordinary
altruists.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of
America,
111(42), 15036–15041. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1408440111
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Penner, L. A., Dovidio, J. F., Piliavin, J. A., & Schroeder, D. A. (2005). Prosocial behavior:
multilevel perspectives. Annual review of psychology, 56, 365–392.
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.56.091103.070141