Bystander effect
 

 

Bystander effect

Phenomenon in which the more people present when someone is in need of help, the less likely any given person will provide help.

 

When individuals are faced with decisions concerning whether to intervene in a given situation to assist someone, they are influenced by the presence of other people. The responsibility to help is said to be diffused.

 

For bystander intervention to occur there are five steps:

 

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Actors must first notice the event  – if people are distracted by other things such as speaking intently on their phone they may not see that someone is in need of help;

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They have to interpret the circumstances such that there seems some requirement for assistance – if others appear unconcerned by the situation they may not then perceive the situation as one in which help is needed;

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They assume a responsibility to act irrespective of any apparent apathy on the part of others;

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They wish to believe that they are capable of or know how to help in the circumstances identified – if people feel they do not possess the skills relevant to the situation this is a factor tending to inhibit their involvement;

 

and

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They make a specific decision to try to help: they may be deterred from doing so because they perceive the immediate cost to themselves – for example, in time, money, opportunities or commitments (missing an important appointment) – is too high.

 

(see also: Diffusion of responsibility, Social influences, Rosenthal effect)

 

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Labels: Bystander effect, definition: 'Bystander effect', bystander intervention
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