Pathways to Connect with Others: Effects of Geographic Proximity and Sensory Proximity on Empathy, Attitudes and Helping Behavior

• In Event: Experimental Investigations of Media Effects

Abstract

This study examines how geographic and sensory proximity of a victim represented in the media influence empathy toward the victim, and therefore, attitudes toward policies/interventions as well as helping behavior. The findings suggest that the geographic closeness of the victim has little direct impact on the variables of interest. Nor does it have an interactive effect with sensory proximity. However, sensory proximity appears to have a positive effect on these variables.

Author

• Xiaoxia Cao, University of Pennsylvania