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British Journal of Social PsychologyMore Press Releases related to this journalEdited By: John Drury and Hanna Zagefka
Print ISSN: 0144-6665 Online ISSN: 2044-8309
Published on behalf of British Psychological Society
Impact Factor: 1.775
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Reluctant Samaritans: Explaining the Bystander Effect
They say fools rush in, but would you heroically run towards a road accident or a mugging; or would you be a gawking bystander? New research reveals why some people choose to be bystanders and the reasoning is seldom fear.
Traditionally apathy, fear, or the presence of more active ‘good Samaritans’ has been thought to deter people from rushing to another’s aid. However, new research in the British Journal of Social Psychology argues that the bystander effect may actually be an entirely rational response.
Three studies discovered that contrary to apathy, the bystander effect did not take place when multiple responses were needed. Participants were not found to shift responsibility to more active rescuers, but were seen to quickly assess the needs of the situation and only become bystanders if they decided sufficient help had already been given.