The Bystander Effect - How Would You React in a Crisis?

Thinking upon the bystander effect and assisting in crises, if I met with a situation, I would help someone that I saw homeless on the street disoriented and flailing around. I would probably think this person is having an epileptic seizure and needs medical help because I have seen people in such medical crises before. I would do what is required to get the help necessary for this person to live.

I had seen homeless people on the streets of Washington, D.C. when I was younger and asked what was wrong with the person, and was told he was homeless and that is where he lived. This incident was before I even understood what the term, homeless meant, and even then, I wanted to help the person.

A second scenario, I would be more reluctant to help but would side with the female if given the two choices. I was met with a situation several months ago with a couple where the man was drunk and taking the woman’s belongings searching through them. She asked him to leave her alone, but instead he kept right on barging through the door, he even went to the extent of taking my phone out of my jacket pocket while it was on my person! I was astonished, and he was grabbing for my friend’s purse. She shews him away, but he kept pestering the other woman, which I believe was his girlfriend.

I feel I would help both parties and if others were trying to help that would encourage me even more so. I think a bystander would be less likely to help if they were afraid, felt their life was in danger, was lacking in initiative and thought others should help instead of themselves. I don’t see myself as a person who lacks effort and just watches the world go by, instead I like to think of myself as someone of action, who notices things, and who if I see an opportunity to provide support, and help I am more than eager to reach out to those in need.

It is said that the more significant number of people seeing, the fewer people who are inclined to help in a crisis. (Whitbourne, 2010.) Thusly, so many people go without any aid coming their way. Might this be that when faced with a difficulty where two or three people are involved, one observer is less reluctant to give help? I think so, from my personal experience. Most people are likely to help if there are fewer people around to pass judgment upon them, so a large crowd is not conducive in meeting crises.

People also tend to shrug off responsibility when part of a large crowd, expecting someone else to look out for the one in need, this is noted as the theory of “diffusion of responsibility.” Through leading by example, realizing that you can act in a time of crisis, you can see past the idea of being a wallflower in situations such as these and be a part of the solution. Ask questions, instead of assuming someone else has already called for help, ignoring the problem at hand, or deciding to avoid the situation. By taking personal responsibility to act you are also leading others to conclude for themselves to do the same in future encounters.

A lack of familiarity with the person in a crisis can lead to others not helping, or people may not feel qualified to help out. It is best to get to know other people in your immediate environment when you can, and I encourage everyone to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Intervening in crises can lead you to become more community-oriented, and less of a social slacker. (Cherry, 2018.)

I would suggest to people to look for ways that they can help others, get to know their neighbors on a first name basis and really be on the lookout for situations that may arise where they can become more active, also utilizing social awareness is helpful. Learning how to look for cues, paying attention to the 'red flags', communicating with others instead of allowing fear of the unknown to take hold are a few ways we can overcome the bystander effect and social apathy. You should never have to worry about looking stupid when asking questions, even if you are prone to shyness, it is better to ask and know than not know. Don’t make assumptions about whether other people will help or if the person next to you knows the answers. Base your reaction on facts and not what you assume others may be thinking of the situation, thus nipping pluralistic ignorance in the bud. (Rodarte, 2015.)

References: Whitbourne, Susan K., 2010., Why and How Do We Help?, Psychology Today, Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201009/why-and-how-do-we-help
Cherry, K., 2018., Diffusion of Responsibility, Very Well Mind, Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-diffusion-of-responsibility-2795095
Rodarte, B., 2015., The Bystander Effect: Reactions and Causes, Psychrod, Retrieved from http://psychrod.com/the-bystander-effect/

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