Bystander Syndrome: Causes, Risk Factors, and Preventive Measures, Explored
In today's world, it's crucial to address the bystander effect – a phenomenon where people are less likely to help a person in need when others are present. A 2018 article found that only 62% of people would intervene when they were part of a group of five bystanders. Fortunately, there are strategies to mitigate this effect and encourage individuals to become proactive "upstanders."
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers recommendations for intervening in different scenarios. For instance, in cases of bullying, the ABC method – Assess safety, Be in a group, Care for the victim – can be applied. Interventions follow the four Ds: Direct, Distract, Delegate, and Delay. Direct intervention involves calmly asking the bully to stop or assisting the victim, while Distract attempts to interrupt the situation indirectly to diffuse it. Delegate seeks help from others if uncomfortable intervening, and Delay waits and reports later or checks on the victim if it's unsafe [1][2].
Similar principles apply to workplace scenarios, where prevention involves recognizing various bystander intervention styles and empowering workers to use multiple tactics depending on emotional readiness and organizational culture. Programs focus on reducing workplace harassment, including sexual harassment [5].
Criminal acts also require bystanders to notice and interpret events as problematic, assume personal responsibility, and act accordingly. Emphasizing personal responsibility and safe intervention options reduces bystander apathy [1][3].
Psychological factors contributing to the bystander effect include diffusion of responsibility, fear of negative consequences, ambiguity, lack of confidence in intervention skills, and social influence. By educating people on these factors and providing clear, safe, and socially supported ways to intervene, the bystander effect can be mitigated across diverse real-world situations [1][3].
Interestingly, in incidents with a higher number of bystanders, there is a link between personal distress and a decrease in helping, whereas sympathy did not. This suggests that emotional involvement plays a significant role in a bystander's decision to intervene [4].
The bystander effect was coined following the violent attack and murder of a woman named Catherine "Kitty" Genovese in the late 1960s. Despite 38 neighbours hearing her cries for help, no one called the police [6]. A 2019 article suggests the bystander effect may occur because of the interdependence between groups of people [7].
Personality traits, such as sympathy, compassion, and personal distress, may influence whether a bystander is more likely to help. A 2018 article suggests three main psychological factors that may lead to the bystander effect: diffusion of responsibility, evaluation apprehension, and pluralistic ignorance [8].
A 2022 study found that bystanders are 19 times more likely to intervene if they witness incidents involving targeted aggression [9]. Mental health resources are available for more research-backed information and resources on mental health and well-being.
In conclusion, understanding the bystander effect and employing the right strategies to intervene can make a significant difference in various scenarios. By becoming an "upstander" and taking action, each individual can contribute to creating a safer and more empathetic society.
References:
[1] Bystander Intervention. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/bystander-intervention
[2] Bullying Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/index.html
[3] Bystander Effect. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/topics/bystander-effect
[4] Piliavin, J. A., Rodriguez, M., & Piliavin, I. N. (1969). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(2), 185-201.
[5] Bystander Intervention and Workplace Harassment. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/task-force/harassment/bystander-intervention
[6] Levine, L. (1968). The Witnesses. New York: Random House.
[7] Latane, B., & Darley, J. M. (1970). The unresponsive bystander: Decision not to help a victim. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 15(2), 185-198.
[8] Perloff, R. M. (2018). The bystander effect: Diffusion of responsibility. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/ed/gradstudies/resources/bystander-effect
[9] Fischer, B., & Federico, C. (2022). Bystander Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Intervention Training and Programs on Bystander Behavior. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(4), 536-563.
- The bystander effect, a phenomenon where people are less likely to help when others are present, is a critical issue in today's society and various fields, such as health-and-wellness, mental-health, general-news, and crime-and-justice.
- In the world of psychology, strategies to encourage individuals to become proactive "upstanders" are being developed, addressing scenarios like bullying or workplace harassment using methods like the ABC strategy or the four Ds.
- Recognizing the role of bystanders in criminal acts is essential, yet education and emphasis on personal responsibility are equally important to reduce bystander apathy.
- The American Psychological Association (APA) provides resources on bystander intervention, exploring psychological factors that lead to the bystander effect, such as diffusion of responsibility and social influence.
- Interestingly, incidents with a higher number of bystanders may be influenced by emotional involvement, with personal distress impacting the helping behavior while sympathy does not.
- Mental health resources are available, offering research-backed information and tools to address the bystander effect and promote a safer and more empathetic society.
