Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility

Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility

Review your notes on the Bystander Effect and Diffusion of Responsibility. Now, think of a time you had a chance to help someone in need. What did you do and why? Be sure to address the two concepts listed above!

Given what I do for a living one would presuppose that the answer to this question should be self evident. Don’t be too quick to assume. When I am at work my pro-social behavior has an underlying motive. I get paid to help people. At work I also have the equipment needed to do the job.

Many years ago I was a generally altruistic volunteer. I had some self satisfaction out of helping people but mostly I helped people because I thought that I could make them feel better. This carried over to my off duty time as well. However over the years in my off duty time I have found myself falling victim to the bystander effect. The larger the amount of people present the less likely I am to render aid.

I find myself falling victim to diffusion of responsibility, especially if I see a vehicle crash on the side a busy highway. I know that many people will use their cell phones to call in the accident (myself included). I don’t stop because I tell myself that there is very little that I could do without my emergency equipment anyway. I overcome my sense of guilt by assuring myself that it is better for the on duty professionals be responsible for providing emergency care.

I have often asked my colleagues what they would do in the above mentioned situation. Surprisingly about 50% would be affected by the bystander affect and diffusion of responsibility. There is a saying in the fire service. That saying is “a fire fighter is always on duty”. That saying is no longer relative for most of us.

Billy Wood