The slashing along beach road has taken the internet by storm. The bravery of the bystanders, stepping in to try stop the horrendous harm the man was causing to the victim. In our previous article, we briefly discussed how bystander effect can hinder helping behaviours. However, in this tragic incident, we witnessed the opposite of the bystander effect. Rather than people waiting for others to react to the tragedy in front of them and placing their own safety before the victim’s, they worked together to try to stop the perpetrator from causing more hurt. What makes one behave in this altruistic manner? In this article, we want to explore the possible explanations for their courageous response.
So what exactly is altruism?
Altruism is the act of helping another person without expecting a reward. Activities like donating blood, helping a stranger with directions, and volunteering are acts of altruism. Altruism has been studied extensively and across different ages. Altruistic behaviours have been categorised into 4 main types:
Genetic. Altruistic act for the sake of the family (i.e., working to provide for your family).
Reciprocal. Helping others as they will help you in the future (i.e., your friends pays the bill for dinner this time and you will pay for the next).
Group-selected. Self-sacrifice for the sake of supporting a group (i.e., putting in time and effort to support a social cause that benefits a specific group)
Pure. Helping others regardless of the risks involved, without expecting a reward.
Through various studies, bystander effect was suggested to be influenced by the perceived risks involved and their expectations of the consequences. When situations are perceived to be more dangerous, the bystanders are more likely to respond regardless if there were others present in the situation. These findings are supported by studies on altruism where people would react to the situation before they think of the consequences to themselves. As such, while witnessing the brutality that was occurring in front of their eyes, these bystanders who stood up reacted right away. As described by Mr Jackie Tee, one of the many heroic bystanders who were helping, ‘I couldn't just stand there and do nothing when her life was slipping away in front of us’. Moreover, despite feeling terrified, he knew that if he did not respond, the victim could have died.
As human beings, there is no one reason as to why people would choose to help. Moreover, altruistic inclinations can come more naturally to some people and not so for others. Even though we may be tempted to only look out for our own interests for fear of missing out, there are actually benefits to being altruistic. Studies have shown that altruistic behaviour brings about benefits like better physical and mental health, and also better relationships. Therefore, as we go through our daily life, let us take note of the people who may need help. A little kindness goes a long way.
Interesting read
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ejsp.297
https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/understanding-altruism-self-and-other-concerns/