The unresponsive bystander: are bystanders more responsive in dangerous emergencies?

Abstract

Previous research in bystander intervention found that the presence of other bystanders reduces helping behaviour in an emergency (bystander effect). This research was mainly conducted in the context of non-dangerous, non-violent emergencies. We hypothesize that the classic bystander effect does not occur in more dangerous situations because: a) they are faster and more clearly recognized as emergency situations; and b) higher costs for refusing help increase the accepted costs for helping. Following this line of reasoning, the present research tests whether the bystander effect is affected by the degree of the emergency's potential danger. Results supported our expectations: In situations with low potential danger, more help was given in the solitary condition than in the bystander condition. However, in situations with high potential danger, participants confronted with an emergency alone or in the presence of another bystander were similarly likely to help the victim.

Bystander Intervention in Cyberbullying

“…In a study in which the immediate danger of a situation was manipulated, the diffusion of responsibility effect held in the low immediate danger condition (Fischer, Greitemeyer, Pollozek, & Frey, 2006). In other words, when the immediate danger was low, individuals were more likely to intervene when there were no other bystanders than when in the presence of others.…”

Alcohol Poisoning Among College Students Turning 21: Do They Recognize the Symptoms and How Do They Help?

“…Latané and Darley's seminal work on bystander behavior (1970) determined that individual's helping decisions increased if fewer people were present, other observers expressed concern, others were helping, and the individual was not in a hurry. Fischer et al (2006) found that individuals were more likely to help in group situations when the emergency was perceived as more dangerous. In studies of helping behavior in situations involving drug overdoses, fear of police was reported as a common reason for not seeking help (Tobin et al, 2005;Tracy et al, 2005).…”

Character Traits, Social Psychology, and Impediments to Helping Behavior

“…36 Latané and Darley 1970: chapter seven. 37 Darley 1970 Schwartz and Gottlieb 1980: 311, Chekroun and Brauer 2002, and Fischer et al 2006 Karakashian et al 2006. 44 Latané and Dabbs 1975.…”

“…52 Piliavin et al 1969. For additional studies, see Clark and Word 1974, Schwartz and Gottlieb 1980, and Fischer et al 2006. 53 Valentine 1980.…”