Innovation in psychological services Pro-Social/Helping Behaviour Dr. Chris Hamilton, Cons. Clinical Psychologist

Innovation in psychological services The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day this year is: ‘Reaching Out; Saving lives’

Innovation in psychological services Pro-social behaviour Characterised by a concern about the feelings and welfare of others "a broad range of feelings such as empathy and compassion Which help to promote a set of actions intended to benefit others, (C. Daniel Batson )

Innovation in psychological services Empathy Empathy encompasses a range of emotional states that promote caring for other people and having a desire to help them. It occurs when we experience emotions that match another person's (a vicarious response). Having empathy doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll want to help someone in need, though it’s often a vital first step toward compassionate action.a vital first step How does empathy feel?

Innovation in psychological services “So this is something that we should all find easy and natural?"

Innovation in psychological services Helping behaviour – Some Factors to consider Example 1: Park Bench Example 2: Sainsbury's

Innovation in psychological services Pro-Social/Helping Behaviour What factors Influenced my Helping Behaviour (i)Perceived Danger/Concern (ii)Empathy/Compassion (ii) Confidence (iii) Cultural factors/Familiarity (iv) Responsibility (Children involved) (iii)Time (iv)Psychological Resilience to cope with the ambivalence (v)No one else around first example

Innovation in psychological services (i) Situational Influences on Helping Behaviour The bystander effect is one of the most notable examples of how the situation can impact helping behaviours.bystander effect “The bystander effect refers to the tendency for people to become less likely to assist a person when there are a number of other people also present.” Genovese case: More is Less when it comes to helping!!!

Innovation in psychological services (ii) Situational Influences on Helping Behaviour Diffusion of Responsibility - WHY First, the more people that are present decreases the amount of personal responsibility people feel in a situation (Vicarious response/arousal). This is known as the diffusion of responsibility People also tend to look to others for how to respond in such situations, particularly if the event contains some level of ambiguity. If no one else seems to be reacting, then individuals become less likely to respond as well. Fear of being judged by other members of the group also play a role. People sometimes fear leaping to assistance, only to discover that their help was unwanted or unwarranted. In order to avoid being judged by other bystanders, people simply take no action.

Innovation in psychological services The Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis Empathy often motivates people to reduce others distress If low empathy, people can reduce their own distress by escaping the situation If high empathy, emotional response corresponds to feelings of the other person - Their distress becomes our distress. When high empathy is involved it increases the likelihood that we will take positive action

Innovation in psychological services (iii) Situational Influences on Prosocial Behaviour Lantane and Darley have suggested that five key things must happen in order for a person to take action. An individual must: (1) Notice what is or might be happening (2) Interpret the event as a possible emergency (3) Experience feelings of responsibility (4) Believe that they have the skills to help (5) Make a conscious choice to offer assistance

Innovation in psychological services Helping Behaviour - A Summary of Key Factors Social & Psychological Factors: (i) Knowledge (Awareness to perceive a situation) (ii) Empathy/Compassion (iii) Confidence/Know how to help (iv) Psychological Resilience/Emotional Ambivalence Situational Factors: (i) Time (ii) Bystander effect/Diffused responsibility/Assume others will take Responsibility (iii) Fear of being judged (iv) Awareness of Danger to self

Innovation in psychological services The Helper's High! Psychologists have shown that helping others can produce "feel- good" neurotransmitters such as oxytocin Therefore helping is also good for us and can become addictive.oxytocin So lets spread the word - Thankyou “Reaching Out Saving Lives”