We all would like to think that in a situation where we needed help, someone would step in and give us aid.   God’s Word reinforces altruistic behavior, and we should not be selfish, but seek to give others aid in times of need.  However, helping behavior very much depends on a variety of social factors, including what we stand to gain from helping, the presence of others, the norms of the environment, etc.  While there are factors that indeed influence positive helping behavior, including our Christian belief system, we also need to be aware of factors that dissuade helping in the social environment, as to avoid falling into this type of social influence.

• Watch the following videos on the Bystander Apathy:

The Bystander Effect
The Bystander Effect (2)

• Write a 2-page double spaced journal that explores a time when you helped another individual or group.  Reflect upon the experience by discussing what motivating factors influenced you to help, and what aspects of the social environment may have played a role in your behavior.  Discuss how the presence of bystanders in your situation promoted or hindered your helping behavior.

Support your work with scholarly academic resources, textbooks, or other sources provided.  Use of APA format is required.