Pro-social & Anti-social Behaviour

Pro-social & Anti-social Behaviour

Kitty Genovese • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JozmWS6xYEw SHOCKING! See Why You Need Self Defense Products _ Bystander Effect.flv

There are three key factors associated with the specific situation that influence whether people will be pro-social and help. • These factors are: - noticing the situation - interpreting the situation - taking responsibility to help Situational Factors

If you don’t notice that there is a situation where help may be required you will not respond in an appropriate pro-social way. • Research findings suggest people are more likely to notice a situation where help may be required when they are alone than with other people. Why? Noticing the Situation

It is not always clear whether people require help in certain situations. Therefore, people cannot always be sure that a helping response is appropriate or required. • The more obvious a situation where a helping response is required the more likely that help will be offered. Interpreting the situation

Although a situation may be interpreted that help is required, people are less likely to intervene and help unless they believe it is their responsibility to do so. • Bystander effect: is the tendency for individuals to be less likely to help another person in need when other bystanders are present, or believed to be present, as compared to when they are alone. Taking Responsibility for Helping

By stander effect video • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSsPfbup0ac&feature=related THE BYSTANDER EFFECT.flv

Social norms are standards, or ‘rules’, that govern what people should or should not do in different situations. • The social norm has 2 factors: - Reciprocity norm - Social responsibility norm Social Norms

The reciprocity norm is an unwritten rule that we should give what we receive or expect to receive. Reciprocity Norm

The social responsibility norm prescribes we should help those who need help because it is our responsibility. • To help without any expectation that help will be reciprocated (returned or rewarded). Social Responsibility Norm

This factor suggests that personal factors can influence pro-social behaviour. • There a three categories for this factor: - Empathy - Mood - Competence Personal Factors

Empathy is the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings or difficulties. • When we empathise with someone, we usually want their suffering to end and this can be a powerful motive for us to help in some way. Empathy

Research suggests that a good mood increases helping, whereas a bad mood will sometimes increase and sometimes decrease helping behaviour. • People in a bad mood may be more willing to help others in order to get rid of their own guilt. Mood

If you do not have the skills or the capabilities to help someone then you are more likely not to offer that help. • People with abilities or training that a relevant to a situation in which help is required are more likely to help. Competence

Pro-social & Anti-social Behaviour