How Psychology Explains the Bystander Effect
Picture yourself walking down the street and witnessing someone falling on the sidewalk. Despite looking around for help, no one seems to react. This situation leaves you hesitant and indecisive. When so many others are ignoring the incident, should you do the same?
This troubling scenario is identified as the bystander effect, where the presence of more people during an emergency decreases the likelihood of any individual stepping in to assist. Various factors contribute to this phenomenon, such as the fear of social judgment, diffusion of responsibility, lack of clarity, and sometimes bystander indifference.
Continue reading to explore why the bystander effect occurs, the influencing factors, and the strategies that can help overcome this response.
Meaning of the Bystander Effect
The bystander effect, also known as bystander apathy, is when the presence of more people reduces the likelihood of someone helping a person in distress.
If you were to witness an emergency unfolding in front of you, you might assume you would step in to assist. However, psychologists suggest that your decision to intervene could be influenced by the number of other bystanders around.
If many others in the vicinity are not taking action, you might be less inclined to react. While not everyone succumbs to this passive behavior, it is prevalent enough that you may have encountered or experienced it yourself on occasion.
How the Bystander Effect Operates
Despite the common belief that having more people around increases the likelihood of receiving help during an emergency, some evidence suggests the opposite. In fact, you may be more likely to receive assistance if only one or very few individuals are present.
Being part of a large crowd disperses responsibility, making it easier for individuals to avoid taking action or making decisions.
In seminal research studies conducted by Bibb Latané and John Darley, it was found that the time taken by a person to seek help can vary based on the number of bystanders present. In one experiment, participants were assigned to three different scenarios: alone in a room, with two other genuine participants, or with two confederates posing as participants.
While completing questionnaires in the experiment, smoke was introduced into the room. When participants were alone, 75% reported the smoke to the experimenters. On the contrary, only 38% of participants in a group of three reported the smoke. In the third scenario, where confederates identified the smoke but ignored it, a mere 10% of the participants alerted the researchers.
The Bystander Effect
Research conducted by The Enlightened Mind revealed that in the late 1960s, additional experiments conducted by Latané and Rodin highlighted an interesting phenomenon known as the bystander effect. The study found that 70% of individuals were more likely to help a distressed woman when they were the sole witnesses to the situation. However, this number decreased significantly to about 40% when other people were present.
Real-Life Example of the Bystander Effect
An iconic demonstration of the bystander effect involves the tragic murder of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese. Genovese, a 28-year-old woman, was viciously attacked and stabbed by Winston Moseley on March 13, 1964, as she returned home from work.
Despite Genovese’s desperate pleas for help, numerous witnesses in the nearby apartment building chose not to alert the authorities. The attack commenced at 3:20 AM, but it took until 3:50 AM for the first call to the police to be made.
The initial coverage of the incident in The New York Times contained inaccuracies and sensationalized the story. This case raised questions among both the public and psychologists about how so many people could witness such a heinous act and fail to intervene.
Further investigations into the incident revealed additional details that were omitted from the initial reports. Many witnesses did not have a clear line of sight to the street, had difficulty hearing the events, and were unsure of what was actually taking place.
Reevaluation of the Genovese Murder Case
An article in the September 2007 issue of American Psychologist challenged the common portrayal of Genovese’s murder as largely inaccurate, attributing this misrepresentation to the repetition of flawed information in newspapers and psychology textbooks.
Impact of the Bystander Effect
While the Genovese case is a prime example of misrepresentation, several similar incidents have come to light in recent times. The bystander effect plays a significant role in influencing social behavior, prompting the question: why do people hesitate to intervene in emergency situations when surrounded by others?
Why Does It Occur?
What causes us to be less inclined to assist when there are numerous individuals present? The bystander effect is influenced by two main factors.
Diffusion of Responsibility
The Enlightened Mind explains that the diffusion of responsibility occurs when the presence of other people diminishes the sense of personal responsibility to intervene in a situation requiring help. With more individuals around, the tendency to think, “Why should I be the only one to step up?” arises, leading to a belief that someone else will take action.
Due to the presence of other observers, individuals feel less pressure to take action, as the responsibility to intervene is perceived as shared among all present.
Social Pressure
The Enlightened Mind explains that another reason for our behavior is the pressure to conform to socially acceptable norms. There is a fear of being judged for our actions, which is referred to as evaluation apprehension.
When individuals notice that others around them are not responding, they may interpret this as a signal that their own response is unnecessary or inappropriate.
Pluralistic Ignorance
The Enlightened Mind discusses another crucial aspect affecting the bystander effect known as pluralistic ignorance. This phenomenon occurs when individuals assume that since others are not reacting, there must not be a real emergency.
Studies have revealed that bystanders are less inclined to intervene when the situation is unclear. In the infamous case of Kitty Genovese, many witnesses mistook her distress for a simple “lover’s quarrel,” failing to recognize the severity of the situation until it was too late.
Crises are often accompanied by chaos, leading to confusion among onlookers. The uncertainty of the situation can make it challenging for bystanders to discern the appropriate course of action.
During these critical moments, individuals tend to look to others for guidance on how to react. If they observe a lack of response from the group, it may suggest to them that no intervention is necessary after all.
Preventing the Bystander Effect
What steps can you take to combat the bystander effect? Psychologists suggest that simply being aware of this phenomenon is crucial in breaking the cycle.
When confronted with a situation that demands action, it is essential to recognize how the bystander effect may hinder you and actively work to overcome it.
There are circumstances where you can assist individuals facing bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Instead of standing by, you have the opportunity to become an upstander who opposes injustice and possible harm.
How to Become an Upstander
According to The Enlightened Mind, the process of becoming an upstander begins with observing the situation, analyzing the issue at hand, and accepting the responsibility to step in. It is then crucial to determine if you possess the necessary skills or capability to address the problem and make the decision to act.
However, this does not imply putting yourself at risk. It is essential to evaluate the circumstances carefully and take precautions to ensure your own safety.
How to Seek Assistance When Needed
But how can you get help if you require it? What are effective ways to encourage others to offer their assistance?
A commonly suggested strategy is to pick out a specific person from the group. Establish eye contact and directly address that individual for aid. By customizing your plea, it becomes more difficult for individuals to refuse your request.
American Psychological Association. Bystander Intervention
When someone is in distress or in need of help, bystander intervention can play a crucial role in providing assistance. Understanding the psychology behind why people may or may not help is essential in promoting a culture of active bystanders.
The Bystander Effect
Research by Darley and Latané in 1969 shed light on what is known as the “bystander effect,” where individuals may be less likely to offer help in emergency situations when others are present. This phenomenon of “apathy” among bystanders highlights the importance of addressing barriers to intervention.
Factors Influencing Bystander Help
In their book “The Unresponsive Bystander: Why Doesn’t He Help?,” Latané and Darley further explore the reasons behind bystander inaction. Factors such as the number of bystanders present and the ambiguity of the emergency situation can significantly impact the likelihood of intervention.
Community Engagement and Bystander Intervention
Studies like the one by Solomon, Solomon, and Stone in 1978 emphasize the role of community engagement in promoting bystander intervention. Understanding how the presence of others and the clarity of the emergency affect the decision to help is crucial for fostering a sense of responsibility among bystanders.
