Are Non-Participants in Prosocial Behavior Merely Innocent Bystanders?

• In Event: Developing and implementing more effective organ and blood donation campaigns

Abstract

Latané and Darley’s (1970) bystander intervention model is examined in regard to prosocial behavior. Study 1 indicates support for the proposed path model (notice event → interpret event as emergency → accept responsibility → knowledge of how to help) in organ donation. Study 2 replicates the model in regard to ‘green living’ and finds a direct path from noticing the event to knowledge of how to help. Implications are discussed in context of campaign communication.

Authors

• Ashley Anker, State University of New York, Buffalo

• Thomas Feeley, State University of New York, Buffalo